This is what we would like you to tell us.

As the legal sector sets its sights on McKenzie Friends – lawyers have renewed their calls to ban lay advisors who charge for their time – Researching Reform would like to hear from anyone who has used organisations and McKenzie Friends offering family law advice for free.

There are several organisations offering free legal advice, including family law guidance and support in the UK. The most well-known services are:

• Citizens Advice – centres usually offer guidance on family law matters
• Advocate – Free legal help from barristers (used to be called Bar Pro Bono Unit)
• Public access portal – you can search for a pro bono barrister in your area and you can contact them directly too
• Personal Support Unit – charity with around 700 volunteers offering free legal advice
• McKenzie Friends – many lay advisors offer family law advice and court representation free of charge, or ask you just to cover the cost of their travel and lunch.

If you have used any of these organisations, lay advisors or any other services, we would love to hear from you.

What was your experience like? Did you find the support useful? Was the advice you received accurate and effective?