OTHER AGENCY HELP

Many other organisations assist members of the public. We have noted a few below to help you start your search in securing help for your case. The organisations below are just a few of the many agencies that exist to help people with legal problems.

LEGAL AID, ECF & MEDIATION

Legal Aid is available in limited circumstances for some family law cases. For further information, please click: www.gov.uk/legal-aid.

ECF is short for Exceptional Case Funding. This funding stream is made available by the Legal Aid Agency for cases that do not fall within the Legal Aid scope but nonetheless necessitate funding. For further information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/legal-aid-apply-for-exceptional-case-funding.

Mediation can also be used to resolve family disputes. Legal aid is widely available in this area. For more information, please see: www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk

STC / CAB / LAW CENTRE / CHILD LAW /UNIVERSITY CLINICS

The above organisations provide either legal advice and representation or support services in the family court. Please click on the website links below for further information.

STC: www.supportthroughcourt.org

CAB: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Law Centres: www.lawcentres.org.uk

Child Law: www.childlaw.org.uk

University Clinics: University clinics have their own personalised websites, please contact your local university to see if their Law Department has a Legal Advice Centre.

BAR PRO-BONO UNIT / PUBLIC ACCESS

The Bar Pro-bono Unit has recently changed its name to Advocate. They provide free barristers for family law cases. Their website is: www.weareadvocate.org.uk.

Public Access is not a free service but the scheme can help you save money as you can cut the costs of using a solicitor by directly instructing a barrister. For further information, please check: www.barcouncil.org.uk/using-a-barrister/public-access/.