Family difficulties can be stressful enough without the added worry of legal fees. If you need help with your children, domestic abuse or social services, you may be wondering whether you can afford to speak to a solicitor. The reassuring news is that legal aid may be available, and Ison Harrison’s Middlesbrough family law team can help you understand your options.

Could legal aid help?

Legal aid can pay for legal advice and representation in certain family cases. This may include:

  • care proceedings or other involvement from social services;
  • applications connected with domestic abuse, including Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders; and
  • some child-arrangements cases where there is evidence of domestic abuse or concerns about a child’s safety.

Eligibility depends on the type of case. Some care cases qualify without a financial assessment; in others, your income, savings, evidence and the merits of the case may be considered. You do not have to work this out alone. A solicitor can review your circumstances and explain what information is needed.

What if you do not qualify for legal aid?

If legal aid is not available, early advice can still make a real difference. A first appointment may help you understand your rights, identify anything urgent and decide which steps you can take yourself. Ask the team about:

  • clear information about likely costs;
  • advice limited to a particular issue or stage of your case;
  • mediation or another suitable way to reach an agreement outside court; and
  • free guidance from organisations such as Citizens Advice or Support Through Court.

Every family is different, and mediation will not be suitable in every case, particularly where there is domestic abuse or an immediate safety concern. If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

How to prepare for your first conversation

It is helpful to have any court papers, letters from social services, relevant messages or records, and basic financial information to hand. A short timeline and a note of any deadlines can also help the team understand your situation quickly.

Speak to our family law team in Middlesbrough

Ison Harrison’s Middlesbrough office offers local, approachable support.

Call 01642 070860 or email middlesbrough@isonharrison.co.uk. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

Meet the team

Sarah Louise Smith is an Associate and Family Law Solicitor based at the Middlesbrough branch. She works across a range of family law matters, including child arrangements, domestic abuse and care proceedings.

Kirsty Nelson is a Partner and Family Law Solicitor, also based at the Middlesbrough branch with extensive experience in family law and specialising in complex care proceedings.

Take the first step

Do not let worries about cost stop you from finding out where you stand. Contact Ison Harrison’s Middlesbrough family law team for an initial conversation about your circumstances, whether legal aid might be available and the practical options open to you.