For families facing separation, understanding child arrangements, finances and the legal process can add another layer of stress at an already difficult time. The Affordable Family Law Group (AFLG) is working to make that support easier to access, particularly for families dealing with issues involving children, domestic abuse or special educational needs and disabilities.
The Community Interest Company provides family law support for people who may struggle to meet the cost of traditional legal services, using grant funding alongside a more affordable pricing structure to help families access professional guidance.
Support begins with a free initial consultation, followed by a legal summary setting out the family’s circumstances and available options. The aim is to give people a clearer understanding of their position before they make decisions about what should happen next.
Peter Guest, Executive Director of the Affordable Family Law Group, said, “For many families, the thought of navigating family law is overwhelming. They don’t understand the options, where and how to begin or what the next steps should look like.
“That is why we have worked hard to make the process as clear and accessible as possible, giving families the opportunity to understand their position before deciding how they wish to proceed.”
Once families choose to continue with the service, they are allocated a dedicated family law expert who can provide support tailored to their circumstances. This can include help with child arrangements, financial matters following separation and applications for protective orders where domestic abuse or concerns about safety are involved.
The team aims wherever possible to help parents reach workable arrangements without going to court, while keeping the safety and welfare of children at the centre of discussions. Where proceedings are necessary, AFLG can help families understand the process, prepare documentation and provide support as a case progresses.
“We understand that every family is different and there is no single approach that will work for everyone,” Peter added. “Separation can bring a range of practical and emotional challenges, particularly where children are involved.
“Our role is to listen to your circumstances, understand what matters most to you and your family and provide support that reflects your individual needs.”
The organisation can also help married and unmarried couples resolve financial arrangements following separation, including consideration of children’s living standards, education, welfare and longer-term needs.
A further area of support was introduced in 2025 with the launch of AFLG’s dedicated SEND department, recognising the additional complications that can arise when separation and a child’s special educational needs or disabilities intersect.
The service can help families ensure SEND needs are considered as part of child arrangements and financial provision, as well as providing administrative support to parents navigating Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs), reviews and appeals.
Peter said, “Our aim is simply to help people through the legal process and find a way forward that protects their family’s interests and supports their future. Whether you need advice at separation, help with arrangements for your children, support around finances or assistance with SEND-related matters, you do not have to navigate everything alone.”
The Affordable Family Law Group is a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting separating families across a range of family law matters, with a particular focus on making specialist support accessible regardless of circumstances or budget.
For more information or to arrange an initial consultation, visit aflg.co.uk.
