Shepherd Harris & Co Limited

Family law support where there is documented domestic abuse, plus care proceedings, child protection, forced marriage, and international child abduction.

Family legal aid covers domestic abuse, child protection (including care proceedings), forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and international child abduction. Routine divorce and child arrangements are generally not covered by legal aid since the 2013 LASPO reforms unless there is evidence of domestic abuse. Care proceedings are non-means-tested for parents; other family legal aid is means and merits tested.

Family mediation as a legal aid funded alternative to court, often required before a court application.

Family Mediation legal aid pays for trained mediators to help separating couples and families reach agreement on issues such as living arrangements, finances after separation, and time spent with children. Attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is usually a legal requirement before applying to family court. Where one party qualifies financially, both parties' mediation fees are covered.