Imagine losing your job, your car, or your freedom and then finding out it
could have been avoided. This happens to many young people simply
because they don’t know their legal rights or how to get legal advice.

Sources of free advice

Some solicitors offer free or low-cost initial interviews. You can also access legal advice from:

• Children's Legal Centre - Freephone 08088 020 008
  Advises on most aspects of the law
• Youth Access - 020 8772 9900
  Can help you find local solicitors and other sources of help, check their directory
• SMART - 01865 403 240
  Helps people arrested for drug/alcohol related offence
• Citizens Advice Bureaus
  Advice on all legal matters, including legal issues. There's one in every town.
• National Youth Advocacy Service - Freephone 0800 61 61 01
  Offers information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to children and young people up to the age of 25.
• Information centres (find yours in the Help! Directory) can point you in the right direction and help with writing letters and making phone calls

Key Link: The Citizens Advice Bureau's Advice Guide

Funding a court action

Going to court is expensive but the Legal Services Commission (LSC) may pay all or part of the costs if you qualify. Funding covers legal advice, having a solicitor or adviser speak on your behalf at a court hearing, help resolving family disputes and legal representation.

You need to visit a solicitor to find out if you qualify for funding. Choose a solicitor that does a low-cost or free initial interview and make it clear that you will need LSC funding.

Crucial: If you are under 16, in most cases your parent or carer should apply on your behalf.

Parents splitting up

If your parents are going to court because they can’t agree on who will look after you, then you will receive advice from Cafcass. Cafcass looks after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. They must work with the children and young people as well as their parents.

Key link: Cafcass for teenagers