Legal aid solicitors & finding a family lawyer — when you need professional help

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27

What this service is

Some family situations need more than self-help: care proceedings (where legal aid is automatic for parents), contested abductions, complex financial cases, or where abuse requires specialist representation. This page explains how to find a family solicitor — including legal-aid funded ones.

How to find a family solicitor

1. Legal aid finder: https://find-legal-aid.justice.gov.uk — enter postcode + "family" to find legal-aid family solicitors near you 2. Law Society "Find a solicitor": https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk — filter by family law and area 3. Resolution — the family-lawyers' network committed to constructive practice: https://resolution.org.uk/find-a-professional/ 4. LawWorks clinics (free advice, not representation): see our pro bono page

What legal aid covers in family cases

Care proceedings: automatic for parents (non-means-tested for representation)
Domestic abuse protective orders (FL401) and advice — via the abuse evidence gateway
Family mediation and one session of legal advice for the other party
NOT most private-law children/financial cases (see our legal aid guide for the full picture)

Questions to ask a solicitor first

Do you offer a free/cheap first appointment?
Am I eligible for legal aid — will you check for me?
What are your hourly rates and what would my case likely cost?
Could a McKenzie friend or self-representation handle part of this cheaper?

Official links

Find legal aid: https://find-legal-aid.justice.gov.uk
Legal aid eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory, takes no referral fees, and is not affiliated with any solicitor.

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.