If you have obtained an injunction or in certain other cases where there is proof that you have been a victim of domestic abuse legal aid can be available to help you with divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children.

If you need to make an application for an order that a child lives with you and this is supported by social services legal aid can be available to help you with the legal costs.

If social services are involved with your child and decide to make an application to court to potentially remove your child from your care you are automatically entitled to legal aid to instruct a specialist lawyer to represent you throughout the proceedings free of charge regardless of your income. Our solicitors who are members of the Law Society Children Panel specialise in helping parents at this very difficult time.

Sometimes, social services may ask you to attend a meeting about your children. These meetings are very serious legal meetings called “PLO Meetings”. PLO stands for Public Law Outline. You will receive a letter saying:

“LAST OPPORTUNITY TO STOP YOUR CHILDREN BEING REMOVED FROM YOUR CARE”

You must bring this letter with you and you will be seen urgently by one of our family lawyers. You will be entitled to free representation regardless of your income. Our lawyer will reassure you and make arrangements to attend the meeting with you.

We offer a free, no obligation initial appointment for up to 30 minutes where you can receive practical information about all other questions you may have, so get in touch today to make a free appointment with a specialist local lawyer and know your options.

If this affects you and you need to talk to someone in confidence about what you can do to stop the abuse please contact Clare Usher or Amir Assadi now by phone on 0191 296 1777 or by confidential e-mail to lawyer@hindle-campbell.co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you.

Legal Aid has now been extended to cover the repercussions of domestic abuse, such as sorting out finances and arrangements for children