Legal Aid Navigator
Family & children
Help with separation, divorce, and arrangements for children. This page explains, in general terms, what kind of support exists — it does not tell you what will happen in your own case.
What kind of help is out there?
If you're separating from a partner, or you need to sort out where children will live and how they'll spend time with each parent, there are several routes to help:
- Family mediation — a trained, neutral mediator helps both people talk through arrangements for children, money or property, without going to court. Courts usually expect you to consider mediation first.
- Cafcass — the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. If a family court case involves children, Cafcass may be involved to make sure the children's welfare is considered.
- Family court — if agreement can't be reached, a court can decide. Many people represent themselves; free support for this exists (see below).
- Legal aid — may be available for some family cases, particularly where there is evidence of domestic abuse or child protection concerns. Use the official checker to find out.
Trusted services
Cafcass
Independent service that represents children's interests in family court cases in England.
Civil Legal Advice
Check if you qualify for legal aid for a family law problem, and get connected with a solicitor if you do.
Visit Civil Legal Advice (opens in a new tab)
Telephone: 0345 345 4 345
Citizens Advice
Free guidance on separation, divorce, and what to expect from the family court process.
Law centres
Free legal help from local, not-for-profit specialists, including in family law.
Support Through Court
Free, practical support if you're representing yourself in family court without a solicitor.
GOV.UK guidance
Official step-by-step guidance on separating, mediation, and child arrangements.
A few terms explained
- Child arrangements order
- A court order that sets out who a child lives with and when they spend time with each parent.
- Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
- A first meeting to explain mediation and check if it's suitable, often required before applying to family court.
- Cafcass
- An independent organisation that looks after children's interests in family court proceedings.