Help with the Law
Coming to Court without a Lawyer?
Coming to court can be a difficult experience, especially if you do not have a lawyer (a solicitor or barrister) to help you. This page contains useful information and links for people coming to court with and without a lawyer. Also take a look at the Guide for Separated Parents Page which can be found here.
On this Page:
Legal Aid
Legal Aid
In some circumstances the Government will pay or contribute to the cost of a lawyer to help you, in particular if you are a victim of domestic abuse. A solicitor may be able to help you apply for an order preventing someone contacting you, coming to your home or staying in your home (known as an injunction). In some circumstances there may also be legal aid for disputes between separated parents about children.
Parents and some others involved in proceedings where the local authority is asking to take a child into care are almost always entitled to free representation. The link below will help you find out of you are eligible for help. If in doubt, it is always worth making an appointment with a solicitor to see if you will qualify for help.
Finding a Lawyer
Finding a Lawyer
If you are separating, divorcing or involved in a dispute about children, it can be sensible to take some advice from a lawyer - often before being involved in court proceedings. You can find solicitors and barristers local to you, and with the right qualifications and experience by investigating the websites below.
Finding Free Legal Help
Free Legal Help
A number of voluntary and charitable organisations offer help and advice. Below is a selection of organisation that may be able to help with you family law related problem.
AdviceNow
Advicenow provides clear, step-by-step, user-friendly practical guides, and 'top picks' from the rest of the web, to help you manage life's legal problems, including family law difficulties.
Citizens Advice
Our network of independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Law Centres Network
Law Centres offer legal advice, casework and representation to individuals and groups.
Northumbria University Student Law Office
A multi award-winning and world leading law clinic, offering vital legal services on a regional and national level free of charge to members of the public, businesses, and community groups.
Other Useful Websites
Child Law Advice
The Child Law Advice Service provides legal advice and information on family, child and education law affecting children and families in England. This service is provided via this website packed with how to guides and information pages.
Cafcass
Cafcass stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.
Cafcass represents children in family court cases in England. They independently advise the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests. They are independent of the courts, social services, education and health authorities and all similar agencies.
The Family Rights Group
Our Advice and Advocacy Service is for parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and kinship carers who are involved with children’s services in England or need their help. We support families to understand the law and child welfare processes when social workers or courts are making decisions about their children.
Gingerbread
If you have recently split up with or divorced from your partner, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
We have an introduction to separation, to help you understand what first steps you can take after a separation. You can also find specific information on different aspects of separating - from arranging housing to contact with your children.
Support Through Court
Support Through Court
The increase in cuts to legal aid over recent years has meant that thousands more people face the civil or family courts alone. Their access to justice is limited by how overwhelming the legal system can be to those who have never faced it before, and many struggle to represent themselves effectively in court. We offer support and guidance before, during, and after court. We ensure that those facing court alone feel prepared and supported in accessing justice.
Books
Books
Below are some books available to buy that provide useful advice for people using the Family Court without the help of a lawyer. There is also help with how to avoid having to come to family court in the first place, and advice letting you know what to expect if you do have to be involved in the family court.
(Almost) Anything But Family Court
This book outlines the people and processes separating parents need to know about if they are to avoid family court. It has been written to increase confidence, reduce stress, avoid wasting time and money. It’s a vital read for those experiencing a breakup.
The true cost of going through family court remains hidden. Many parents who have taken this route report a deterioration in their mental health, their bank balance, and anxious children. Almost all report a downturn in their relationship with their ex and their wider family. Such negative outcomes are not quick to resolve
Separating with Children 101
Separating with Children 101 is an invaluable first source of legal know-how to help every separating or divorcing parent. This 3rd edition, previously know as '101 Questions Answered About Separating with Children', has been fully updated and includes how the new no-fault divorce legislation affects co-parenting, how The Language Project is changing how we talk about separation, and further emphasis on alternatives to court.
The Family Court without a Lawyer
The 3rd edition of The Family Court without a Lawyer is a useful guide for those seeking advice on a court case with no formal representation. It is soon to be followed by an up to date edition, publishing July 2022. This has been updated to reflect key changes in practise including the new no-fault divorce laws, and important new laws and guidance relating to domestic abuse.
Useful Telephone Numbers
If you would prefer to speak to someone on the telephone, the Court has prepared a list of useful telephone numbers for organisations that may be able to assist with a variety of topics. It can be viewed on this website or downloaded and printed. Click on the button below to go the list.