You need to be logged in to save pages.
Our community membership is open to all single parents in England and Wales and gives you access to local and online support, news and events.
Register nowThere are times when seeking legal help is essential, such as during a separation, if you’re at risk of losing your home, or if you or your child’s safety is in danger.
Though it may feel like a big step, a qualified legal professional can ensure you’re not taken advantage of. They can guide you through the legal system to secure the best arrangements for you and your children.
While we’re not trained to offer legal advice, we can direct you to organisations that specialise in your situation. These include places where you can access free or low-cost advice, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
A solicitor can provide legal advice and help you understand your rights. They can assist you in finding a solution to your issue and, if necessary, represent you in court. It’s important to choose a solicitor who specialises in the area of law you need help with. For example, if you’re separating from your partner, you might need a family law solicitor.
The Law Society’s “What to Expect When Using a Solicitor” guide is a great resource. It explains how to choose the right solicitor, what questions to ask, and how to prepare for your first meeting.
If your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP), you may be eligible for free legal advice through it. Similarly, if you’re a member of a trade union (TU), they might provide legal advice. These services sometimes also cover legal fees or offer a legal helpline. It’s also worth checking your insurance policies (like car or home insurance) to see if they include access to free legal advice.
Legal fees can add up very quickly. But there are ways you might be able to keep costs as low as possible or get free legal support.
If your situation is serious and you can’t afford a solicitor, you may be eligible for legal aid to cover the cost of legal advice. Legal aid is available in certain situations, such as if you or your children are at risk of abuse or homelessness, or if you require family mediation. You can check your eligibility for legal aid on gov.uk. If you qualify, you’ll also need to find a solicitor who accepts legal aid.
If you’re not eligible for legal aid, you might be able to get free legal support from:
Some solicitors offer a free 30-minute consultation, or you may be able to arrange a fixed-fee appointment where the cost is agreed upon in advance. This can be a good way to determine whether your case is worth pursuing or taking to court.
You may also find a solicitor who works on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, also known as a conditional fee arrangement. If you win, their fees are deducted from your compensation. If you lose, you won’t have to pay their fees, though you may still need to cover some expenses. Always ask your solicitor to clearly explain any potential costs.
Your local Citizens Advice office may have a list of solicitors who offer no win, no fee services or free or fixed-fee advice.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to get help with legal costs, more people are filling out their own court forms or even representing themselves in court without a solicitor. While this can feel intimidating, there are organisations that can provide support.
If you’re representing yourself in court, you can bring someone along for support, known as a McKenzie friend. This could be a friend, someone who has gone through a similar experience, or even a volunteer from Support Through Court.
A McKenzie friend can also be a solicitor or barrister who is assisting you. There are professional McKenzie friends available, but it’s important to choose one who comes highly recommended. Ideally, you’ll want someone with legal training and indemnity insurance, in case any issues arise.
For more information on using a McKenzie friend, check out Rights of Women.
Date last updated: 24 March 2025
