Legal aid Manchester

Hey Just looking for advice for a friend She has been split from her ex for several years now but he was very abusive when they were together. They have a child who they now split custody of 50/50. He has threatened several times to take her to court for full custody & will prove she’s a terrible mother. She’s of course really anxious about whether this happens. They are no contact and have been going through a middle person which has recently broken down, hence him now mentioning court again. Can anyone give any advice on what she needs to do to be prepared? Thanks

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If she can prove the relationship was abusive she should be able to get legal aid for a solicitor. It is means tested though - https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/domestic-abuse-or-violence

Thank you she’s going to contact her work to see if anything was logged there x

I’ve been through the same and still going through courts. If she has logged anything via the police or attended any domestic abuse sessions such as The Freedom Programme or had counselling/mentioned anything to the GP that can count as evidence. I’d really recommend writing a timeline of everything she can remember abuse wise with dates and evidence and if she hasn’t already completing the Freedom Programme and reaching out to her local domestic abuse support. Big hugs to your friend.

I’m pretty sure these solicitors deal with family law and take legal aid - if they are too busy they can recommend another locally https://ottenpenna.co.uk

@Hannah-Beth thank you so much she’s contacting work, the GP and she had a counselling for a while so she’s checking to see if she can provide anything too x