If you need help understanding your rights, navigating the legal system or making sure your voice is heard, there are organisations that can provide information, advice and advocacy.
Whether you are a parent or carer involved with Children’s Services, a young person who needs support, someone experiencing domestic abuse, or an adult facing a legal issue, the services below may be able to help you understand your options and find the right support.
Provides free, independent legal advice and support for eligible Suffolk residents, including help with housing, discrimination and some family law matters. Availability varies by service, and some family law services are currently unable to accept new enquiries due to demand.
Offers free legal advice through its legal advice clinic, subject to the areas of law covered and appointment availability.
Provides free legal advice and support for people who may otherwise struggle to access legal help. Services include domestic abuse advice, immigration advice, welfare benefits appeals and family court support. Some other areas, including general family law and debt advice, are currently closed to new enquiries.
Works with partner organisations to provide free legal advice and support in areas including family law, child law and domestic abuse. Contact the relevant partner service directly to check eligibility and availability.
Provides free, confidential advice to parents and family members, including grandparents and kinship carers, when Children’s Services are involved with a family. It can help people understand their rights, the role of social care and the options available to them.
Provides information and advice about child, family and education law, including parental responsibility, child arrangements, social care involvement and education issues.
Offers practical, accessible legal information and step-by-step guides about family matters, including separation, child arrangements, divorce and going to court.
Provides legal information and advice for women on issues including family law, domestic abuse, child arrangements and financial matters following separation.
Advocacy and support to have your voice heard
An advocate can help you understand your rights, express your views, prepare for meetings and take part in decisions that affect you. Advocacy is independent support, not the same as legal representation.
Provides information about advocacy and how to access independent support for eligible adults and children in Suffolk. Advocacy may help you communicate your views, understand your options and take part in important meetings.
Different services are available depending on your circumstances, age and support needs. Norfolk’s community directory can help you find relevant local organisations.
Provides advocacy and support for children and young people, including those involved with social care or care proceedings, helping them understand their rights and make their views heard.
Offers practical and emotional support to people who are representing themselves in civil and family court. It can help people understand court processes, organise paperwork and prepare for hearings, but it does not provide legal representation. Check local and remote support options.
Can help parents and relatives understand their rights and options when social care is involved with a child or family.
Check whether you may qualify for legal aid and find a legal adviser who handles the type of case you need help with. Legal aid may be available for certain family, domestic abuse, housing and other legal matters, depending on eligibility.
Offers specialist legal advice for people experiencing domestic abuse, including information about protective court orders and possible legal aid.
Provides information about family law and domestic abuse-related legal options. Availability for individual cases may be limited, so check its current service information.
Explains when legal aid may be available if you or your children have experienced domestic abuse and you cannot afford legal costs.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For specialist emotional and practical support, you can also visit the Brave Futures Abuse, Safety and Relationships signposting page.
Offers free advice on a wide range of issues, including employment, housing, benefits, discrimination and understanding your rights.
Helps you search for free legal advice clinics by location and area of law. Eligibility and appointment availability vary.
Find out about legal aid, eligibility and the types of legal problems it may cover.
If you are unsure where to start
You can contact Citizens Advice or use the LawWorks directory to explore available options. If your concern relates to a child, family involvement with Children’s Services or a court process, Family Rights Group or Child Law Advice may be a useful starting point.
Legal advice, advocacy and representation are different types of support, and not every organisation can take on a case. Contact the service directly to check what help is currently available.
