Getting help
You do not have to face the family court alone. Free help is available.
Our affiliations & signposts
- Citizens Advice — partner: we work in partnership with Citizens Advice to signpost users to independent, free advice on family, benefits, housing and debt issues that often sit alongside a family court case. citizensadvice.org.uk
- McKenzie Friends — signpost: we are not affiliated with any individual McKenzie friend, but we signpost users to the Society of Professional McKenzie Friends directory so you can find vetted lay support for court. mckenziefriends.directory
- UK ICO registered: we are registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (registration 00014816084) as a data controller for the personal data you submit.
my family court is not a firm of solicitors and does not provide regulated legal advice. Everything here is information and drafting support.
- Rights of Women
Free confidential legal advice line for women, including family law. Especially strong on domestic abuse and family law.
- FLOWS — Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors
Free legal advice and toolkit for women facing domestic abuse in the family courts.
- Men's Advice Line
Free confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner — the closest equivalent to Rights of Women for men.
- ManKind Initiative
Confidential helpline and support for male victims of domestic abuse and family issues across the UK.
- Families Need Fathers — Both Parents Matter
Support and information for both parents (in practice mostly used by fathers and grandparents) on maintaining a relationship with children after separation.
- DAD.info — Family Court in Person
Practical guidance and forum for parents (particularly dads) navigating the family court without a lawyer.
- Only Dads / Only Mums
Information hub for separated parents in the UK, including access to family law solicitors.
- Support Through Court
Free practical and emotional support for anyone facing court without a lawyer.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline
24-hour, free, confidential (primarily for women, but will support anyone).
- Respect Phoneline
For anyone concerned about their own behaviour toward a partner.
- Galop — LGBT+ domestic abuse
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
- Cafcass
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. Explains what to expect from Cafcass involvement.
- Family Mediation Council — find a mediator
Find an accredited family mediator for a MIAM or ongoing mediation.
- Citizens Advice
Free, independent advice across the UK — including family law and legal aid checks.
- GOV.UK — check if you can get legal aid
Official eligibility checker for legal aid.
- Advocate — free barrister help
The bar's pro bono charity. May be able to find a barrister to help for free in family cases.
- LawWorks — free legal advice clinics
Network of pro bono clinics across England & Wales.
McKenzie friends
A McKenzie friend can accompany you to court, take notes, and quietly advise. They cannot usually speak for you. The court's permission is needed. Some are volunteers, some charge fees — always check credentials. The Society of Professional McKenzie Friends (mckenziefriends.directory) maintains a directory.
Prefer to talk it through with someone?
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next in the family court process, you can book a private 30-minute support call. We'll walk through where you are, what your options look like, and what to prepare for the next step. This is information and support — not legal advice.