You can find barristers who accept direct instructions on the Public Access Directory. Click on the button below to be taken to the directory.
Public Access DirectoryAlso see our guide to Barristers Barristers
Details of local contact centres can be found via your council´s Children´s Services department, or alternatively the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) or CAFCASS's Service Directory.
Use the Court Finder service, to find the family court local to your children´s main residence.
CAFCASS provide a directory of service providers which can be downloaded via the button below:
Attending an early years first aid course can reassure one anxious parent that the other is competent should a crisis arrive, and can be useful to reassure the court of your responsible commitment to your child and when parental naivety is alleged. Not only that, the knowledge gained may well save your child´s life one day.
The Family Mediation Council have a service to help you track down a local mediator.
Also see our Mediation Guide Mediation
The charity Family Lives can help you find a parenting course in your area. Like early years first aid courses, attending these can help reassure one anxious parent that the other is capable of looking after the children, and reassure the court that the attending parent is both committed to their children and competent (if facing allegations of naivety or poor parenting). In our experience, nothing is lost by attending one, and parents often enjoy the experience. None of us are experts!
Alternatively, contact your local council´s Children´s Services Department for courses in your area.
CAFCASS provide a directory of service providers which can be downloaded via the button below:
Also see our guide to Parenting Information Programmes
The main association for psychologists is the British Psychological Society. Check specialisms, qualifications, and locations on the BPS website.
Directory of Chartered Psychologists
Don't forget to read our guide on Psychological Assessments Psychological Assessments
To find a psychologist who has experience as an expert witness in legal proceedings, use our link button below:
In 2012 an investigation found that 20% of experts in cases lacked any qualifications and a further 20% lacked the necessary experience to act as an expert witness in that specific area. You can check whether a psychologist is, in fact, a practising psychologist via the Health and Professions Council (HCPC) statutory register:
The main association for therapists is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP is a professional body representing counselling and psychotherapy professionals with tens of thousands of members and works toward a better standard of therapeutic practice. The BACP also accredit individuals and have a complaints process.
If you are considering using a therapist, either personally for counselling, or for family therapy, you may wish to confirm that the therapist is a member of the BACP.
The BACP also has a Find a Therapist tool, where you can search by region, specialism and approach.
See our blog article "Checking Credentials: Therapists and Counsellors" for more information, and further links to counselling registers:
Find a family lawyer Find a Family Lawyer
An alternative to a standard family lawyer is a 'collaborative lawyer'. These work with you, your ex-partner, and their solicitor in face-to-face negotiations to help resolve disputes.
Find a collaborative lawyer Find a Collaborative Lawyer
Also see our Guide on Solicitors Using a Solicitor
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Family law information for parents whose children are resident in England and Wales
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