Citizens Advice in North & West Kent

Family & relationships

The Challenge

Relationship breakdowns - especially where there are children involved - are often complex and require expert advice and guidance at a time when Clients can feel particularly vulnerable.

As well as generalist advice on how to deal with a separation, we provide specialist advice on divorce, child arrangements, non molestation orders, occupation orders, transfer of tenancy and special guardianship arrangements. 

We will talk clients through what to expect at court, and the likely outcome of any applications. 

Whilst we currently do not have a Legal Aid contract for family & relationships, we are hoping to secure a contract in this area in the near future. 

 

 

How we Help

Outcomes

Most of our recorded outcomes are qualitative rather than monetary, and include:

  • Clients’ rights explained and as a result, better capacity to manage / improved mental health
  • child contact arrangements agreed or disputed
  • referral /signposting for Legal Aid

Legal advice and representation

As part of our new Kent Law Centre, we are planning to secure a Legal Aid contract for Family Law in the near future to enable us to provide a complete start-to-end service to eligible Clients. 

At the moment, we have to signpost Clients to other Legal Aid providers in the area. 

We have successfully applied for Exceptional Case Funding for a handful of Clients where capacity issues meant the Clients would not have been able to help themselves sufficiently to progress their cases.

The difference we make

Case study: coming soon