Support Through Court — the free in-court service most LiPs never find

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

The free service inside the court building

Support Through Court (formerly the Personal Support Unit) is an independent charity whose trained volunteers support anyone facing court without a lawyer — free, in most major family courts.

What a volunteer actually does

Sits with you before and during the hearing
Helps you organise your papers and understand the order
Explains procedure (who speaks when; what the judge is doing)
Accompanies you into the courtroom and stays nearby
Helps you plan the next steps after the hearing

What they cannot do

Give legal advice or represent you
Speak to the judge on your behalf
Fill in forms for you (they'll help you do it yourself)

How to use the service

1. Find your local office: https://supportthroughcourt.org/locations/ (many major courts: RCJ, Central Family Court, Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Southend, Chelmsford and more) 2. Book or drop in — offices vary; many also offer a helpline 0300 081 0006 (Mon–Fri 9:30–4:30) and an online service covering all England & Wales 3. Bring your case papers

Where no office exists

If there's no Support Through Court at your court, the helpline and online service cover you remotely — see our national page.

Pair it with this site

Support Through Court handles the practical and emotional side; this site gives you the substantive guides — C100, FL401, bundle-building, position statements, court-day practicals. Together they cover what a solicitor would otherwise do.

Official links

https://supportthroughcourt.org
Helpline: 0300 081 0006

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Support Through Court.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.