UK England and Wales
Legal aid is generally not available for the divorce itself, or for financial and children disputes, purely because you cannot afford a solicitor. It remains available in defined situations, most importantly where there is evidence of domestic abuse or where a child is at risk of harm. Evidence requirements are specific, and a solicitor experienced in this area will know what qualifies.
Legal aid is also available for family mediation, and for the initial meeting, subject to means. Many people who assume they are ineligible for everything turn out to qualify for this.
Scotland
Scotland has retained a broader legal aid scheme than England and Wales. Advice and assistance, and civil legal aid for family proceedings, remain available subject to means and merits tests administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
Because the Scottish scheme is more generous, it is genuinely worth checking even if you have been told elsewhere that legal aid for divorce no longer exists. Many Scottish firms register to do legal aid work and will tell you quickly whether you are likely to qualify.
Northern Ireland
Civil legal services funding is available for some family matters through the Legal Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland, subject to financial eligibility and the merits of the case. As elsewhere, ask any firm at first contact whether they undertake legally aided work, because not all do.
If you do not qualify
Citizens Advice can help you understand your position and what to do next at no cost. Some firms offer a free or reduced-cost first appointment — worth asking, though be clear whether it is genuinely free and how long it lasts.
Law centres and university law clinics provide free advice in some areas. Pro bono charities such as Advocate in England and Wales can sometimes find a barrister to act without charge, though demand far exceeds supply and you usually need a referral.
Unbundled or 'pay as you go' services are increasingly common: you run most of the case yourself and pay a solicitor only for specific pieces of advice or document checking. For someone organised and low-conflict this can cut costs dramatically.
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This guide has not yet been reviewed by a practising solicitor. We say so plainly rather than leave you guessing — the same way every firm listing on this site states how far it has been verified.
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