Divorce Online information and Support
For those without a lawyer
Advice Now
Advice on getting a divorce or ending a civil partnership without the help of a lawyer.
Ministry of Justice
Advice on getting a divorve
Visit the Ministry of Justice website
Personal Support Unit (PSU)
A charity which has offices in the bigger city family courts and is run by trained volunteers. They do not give legal advice, but can help to navigate the system.
Wikivorce
Wikivorce is a fast growing and active web community providing free access to information, support and advice for people following the breakdown of a serious relationship.
LawWorks
A website listing numerous pro bono legal clinics.
The Bar Pro Bono Unit
A charity which helps to find pro bono (free) legal assistance from volunteer barristers.
Visit The Bar Pro Bono Unit website
McKenzie Friends
Litigants who do not have the help of a lawyer can take a friend into the court with them to help with paperwork and give moral support. They are not allowed to address the Judge or any other parties unless given ‘leave to speak’ by the Judge.
It is possible to buy the services of a McKenzie Friend. They are currently unregulated, so have no obligation to act in your best interests, so beware. However, many are trained paralegals or have extensive experience.
You must complete a McKenzie Friend form and present it to the Court Clerk before you go into your hearing.
More information on McKenzie Friend’s from the Judiciary
Meetup Groups
There are many online groups that help people to make contact with and meet others going through similar experiences.
Visit the Divorce Support website