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
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Advocate – Free legal help from barristers (used to be called Bar Pro Bono Unit)
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Public access portal – you can search for a pro bono barrister in your area and you can contact them directly too
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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?
Researching Reform 
I used PSU, FREE legal advice centre at Manchester Court where different law firms will give you advice free but if case history is long then we are unable to easily get advice as solicitors will often direct you to go back to your previous solicitor firm for advice….
We also have free advice centre once in a month at pankhurst centre (Manchester women’s aid) where layers give advice on first come first served basis to dv victims.
Although some are helpful some are not.
The thing is free advice is not helpful always as representation in court is important and due to legal aid cuts it’s an awful situation.
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Natasha this isn’t specifically on topic, but I thought folks might be interested in this free Edx course on Child Protection whose tutor is Prof Andy Bilson 😀 https://www.edx.org/course/child-protection
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Legal teams guard their interests zealously so do not encourage free advice. For what they do – or don’t do, they charge prodigiously for their time. The legal fraternity and politicians must rank as close equals in the “Grab All You Can” stakes.
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who d hell cares?? Is like no win situation. Every day is the same thing ________________________________
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