Separation and family disputes can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to go through them alone. Below are independent organisations offering free support, information and advice alongside our own services.
If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999.
174 Family Law is not responsible for the content of external websites. The information on these sites is not a substitute for legal advice about your own situation.
Urgent help & safety
If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999. These services offer free, confidential support around domestic abuse and safeguarding.
Emergency services
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted so the operator knows it is a genuine emergency. For non-urgent police matters, call 101.
Call: 999
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Free, confidential support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, and for friends and family worried about someone.
Call: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Men’s Advice Line (Respect)
Confidential advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm)
Forced Marriage Unit
Government support for anyone at risk of, or affected by, forced marriage, in the UK or overseas.
Call: 020 7008 0151
NSPCC and Childline
If you are worried about a child, contact the NSPCC. Children and young people can talk to Childline for free on 0800 1111.
Call: 0808 800 5000
Children & parenting
Information and support for parents and carers working through child arrangements, maintenance and parenting after separation.
Cafcass
Cafcass advises the family courts in England on what is safe and in the best interests of children involved in family proceedings.
Child Maintenance Service
Work out child maintenance, set up a family-based arrangement, or use the government’s Child Maintenance Service.
Child Law Advice (Coram)
Free information and advice on family law for parents, carers and young people in England.
Call: 0300 330 5480 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
Family Lives
Support and advice for parents and families on all aspects of family life, including separation and divorce.
Gingerbread
Advice and support for single parent families.
Divorce, money & legal aid
Official guidance and independent advice on divorce, finances and help with legal costs.
Check if you can get legal aid
Use the government’s online checker to see whether you may qualify for legal aid, and find a legal aid adviser.
Apply for a divorce
Official guidance on getting a divorce in England and Wales, including applying online.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent advice on money, benefits, housing and legal issues.
Advicenow
Plain-English guides to help you deal with legal problems, including representing yourself in the family court.
Rights of Women
Free legal advice and information for women on family law, domestic abuse and more.
Mediation & wellbeing
Ways to resolve disputes outside of court, and support for your wellbeing during a difficult time.
Family Mediation Council
Find an accredited family mediator and learn what happens at a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM).
Family Mediation Voucher Scheme
A government contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation for eligible cases involving children, while vouchers remain available. Ask your mediator whether you qualify.
Resolution
Information on the different ways to separate, and a directory of family professionals committed to a non-confrontational approach.
Samaritans
Whatever you are going through, you can talk to Samaritans for free.
Call: 116 123 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Mind
Information and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
