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Resources

Recommended Reading

Listed below are a number of books that might be of interest. Please note, however, that Sharp Family Law is unable to take any responsibility for the content or advice these books may contain

Useful Links

  • Child Line: A free 24 hour helpline for children and young people in danger or distress 0800 1111
  • Divorce and Children: Helps separating and divorcing couples to redefine their families and their lives
  • National Association of Child Contact Centres: Provides neutral and safe places where children of separated families can spend time and establish contact with one or both parents
  • National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children: The UK’s leading charity specializing in child protection and the prevent of cruelty to children
  • One Parent Families|Gingerbread, the National Council for One Parent Families. A registered charity working to promote the welfare and independence of one parent families
  • Parentline: Offers support to anyone parenting a child including the parents, stepparents, grandparents and foster parents
  • Understanding Childhood. Understanding Childhood provides free downloadable information leaflets for families and childcare professionals to help raise emotionally secure children
  • Divorce Aid: An independent group of professionals who provide divorce advice, support and information on any family matter that might concern you. The website contains in-depth legal, financial, practical and emotional information and links to sources of support.
  • Child Maintenance Service (CMS): The Child Maintenance Service or Child Support Agency (CSA) calculates and collects child maintenance The website contains a maintenance calculator and information leaflets
  • Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA): This website has information on the main policy areas affecting the family including marriage and relationship support, divorce or separation, children, court-directed paternity testing and domestic violence.
  • Her Majesty’s Court Service (HMCS): The HMCS is responsible for managing the magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court, county courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal in England and Wales. The website contains a wide range of information on divorce proceedings
  • The Law Society: The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. The website contains a wide range of legal information, including the code of conduct which all solicitors must adhere to.
  • Civil Legal Aid: You might be able to get free and confidential advice from Civil Legal Advice
  • Legal Aid Agency LAA runs the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. The website provides information about public funding of legal costs for civil and criminal matters. Guides are available for free download in PDF format.
  • Resolution (formerly – The Solicitors Family Law Association) Resolution’s 5000 members are family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. The website provides information on family law. Guides are available for free download in PDF format.
  • Family Mediators Association (FMA): The FMA offers family mediation to private clients outside the court system. The website has information on family mediation and a register of 300 or more Family Mediators across the country
  • National Family Mediation (NFM): NFM is a network of local not-for-profit Family Mediation Services in England and Wales that offers help to couples, married or unmarried, who are in the process of separation and divorce. The website has information on family mediation and a list of NFM offices across the country
  • The UK College of Family Mediators: It sets standards for family mediation and maintains a register of family mediator members in all parts of the United Kingdom who meet those standards.
  • Advice Guide: Online Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) service that gives you information on your Rights in the UK.
  • Benefit Enquiry Line: Website provides general information and advice on welfare benefits and how to claim them
  • Relate: Offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website
  • Women’s Aid: the national domestic violence charity offering support for women who suffer domestic violence. Helpline number, campaigns, news, events and job vacancies