Useful contacts: Legal advice and information
Child and Family Law Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS)
CAFCASS is a public body set up to look after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. Works with the children and families and then advises the courts on the child's best interests.
8th floor, South Quay, Plaza 3
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SH
Tel: 020 7510 7000
Fax: 020 7510 7001
Email: webenquiries@cafcass.gov.uk
Website: www.cafcass.gov.uk
Children's Legal Centre
UK charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. Many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation for children, their carers and professionals. Also runs the National Educational Law Advice Line for the Legal Services Commission.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
Essex CO4 3SQ
Education Law Advice Line: 0845 456 6811
Open M-F 9.30-5.
Other enquiries: 01206 872 466
Fax: 01206 874 026
Email: nel@essex.ac.uk
Website: www.childrenslegalcentre.com
Community Legal Service Direct
Provides legal information to help with legal problems including fact sheets; information on high-quality, local, legal advisers and solicitors; help with working out if you qualify for legal aid; and links to other websites.
Helpline: 0845-345 4345
Open 9-5.30 7 days a week
Website: www.clsdirect.org.uk
Family Rights Group
See under Parenting and Families section for details
Law Centres Federation
The voice of local law centres (there are about 60 across the UK) which provide free independent advice and representation to disadvantaged people who live or work in their catchment area.
Duchess House
18-19 Warren Street
London W1P 5LR
Tel: 020 7387 8570
Fax: 020 7387 8368
Email :info@lawcentres.org.uk
Website: www.lawcentres.org.uk
Law Society
The regulatory and representative body for solicitors throughout England and Wales. Helps the public find solicitors. Provides advice on complaints. Cannot itself provide legal advice.
113 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1PL
Public enquiries: 020 7242 1222
Website: www.lawsociety.org.uk
Legal Services Commission
Responsible for the Community Legal Service (CLS) and Criminal Defence Service legal advice schemes. See entry above for Community Legal Service Direct which has its own website.
National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
See under Money Advice for details
Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
Organisation of solicitors committed to promoting a non-confrontational atmosphere in which family law matters are dealt with in a sensitive, constructive and cost-effective way.
PO Box 302
Orpington
Kent BR6 8QX
Tel: 01689 820272
Fax: 01689 896972
Email: info@resolution.org.uk
Website: www.sfla.org.uk
