Citizens Advice — Kent & Sussex (Maidstone, Canterbury, Brighton)
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27
What this service is
The Kent and Sussex Citizens Advice network (Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne and neighbours) gives free, confidential, independent and impartial advice, including family matters — separation, child arrangements, domestic abuse — plus related benefits, debt and housing help.
How to use it
1. National guidance: citizensadvice.org.uk — full family library 2. Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (England) — free phone advice 3. Local offices: Kent and Sussex services run triage/appointments — check each local page for current access 4. Webchat for quick questions
What they can and cannot do
- ✅ Explain options, help with court paperwork, refer to specialist family/DA services and legal-aid solicitors, help with money problems
- ❌ No representation in court; no legal advice on strategy
How it fits your family court case
The region's family courts are at Maidstone Combined Court Centre, Canterbury Combined Court and Brighton County Court — see our court guides. Use Citizens Advice before filing and alongside your case.
Official links
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Citizens Advice, HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.