Family Law Service
The Family Law Service at NLS Legal provides advice, assistance and representation to eligible individuals on a wide range of family law issues.
The areas of family law we currently assist with are:
- Private law arrangements in respect of children (e.g. child residence and contact arrangements; parental responsibility; special guardianship orders);
- Divorce and separation; and
- Domestic abuse.
Our levels of service range from providing free initial one-off advice, to representing clients at hearings in the family court. This is subject to the suitability of the case and our capacity at the time of the enquiry. We also assist with preparing court documentation and facilitating negotiations between the parties of a case, with a view to reaching an agreement outside of court.
Please note that we do not advise on cases where public funding (legal aid) is available to a client. We also cannot assist on the following issues:
- Child maintenance through the CMS;
- Appeals;
- Public law children matters involving the local authority (e.g. care proceedings); and
- Due to resources, cases where any hearing is listed for more than 1 day of court time.
If you require assistance with a family law matter and believe we may be able to help you, please do complete an enquiry form.
Case study
This year we assisted a client who was a respondent in a child arrangements case. The client was eligible for legal aid funding but due to the delay in processing their application, they were left without advice and representation at the first court hearing. As there was domestic abuse in their relationship, the client was vulnerable and concerned about attending court, especially alone. We advised the client and represented them at the first court hearing, and ensured special measures were in place for that hearing. We negotiated an interim contact agreement with the other party and agreed directions for the case to proceed. This meant the client felt safe and supported at court during a very difficult time and received practical advice and support at a vital stage in the process.
I am really grateful for the advice and help Katie and Phoebe have given. They made me feel reassured at a time which was very stressful.