A Wyre Forest law firm has launched a monthly programme of advice clinics to offer free legal guidance to families.
Kidderminster-based MFG Solicitors will be holding the free drop-in sessions at two of the town’s Sure Start Children’s Centres. The two-hour clinics will offer legal advice on general family issues such as domestic violence, access to children, custody, divorce and financial matters.
The confidential clinics, which are both held between 9am and 11am, are at Birchen Coppice-based Treetops Children’s Centre on the first Tuesday of every month and at the Rainbow Children’s Centre in Radford Avenue on the third Wednesday of every month. The clinics are available to all parents.
Co-ordinating the free advice sessions is Rachel McGrath, a family solicitor at the law firm.
She said: “The current economic climate is incredibly tough which means some people who urgently require legal advice simply cannot afford the cost. Coupled with government changes to who qualifies for Legal Aid coming in later this year, it has left many, especially victims of domestic violence, exposed and worried about their situation.
“With these issues in mind, our drop-in sessions aim to give guidance which will either set minds at rest or help people decide if they need to take the free legal advice further.
“As the Wyre Forest’s largest law firm we want to make a contribution back to the local community and I hope we’ll see the free clinics growing in popularity. Ultimately, we would like to extend these across Worcestershire and especially into towns such as Bewdley and Stourport.”
Action for Children’s Angela Wilkinson, Service Manager for Treetops and Rainbow Children’s Centres, added: “Many of the families we support are very vulnerable and having to cope with incredibly difficult issues. Having access to free and professional legal advice is rare so having the opportunity to provide this at our children’s centres is fantastic. Action for Children would like to thank MFG Solicitors for their amazing support. It really will make a huge difference to the lives of many families we work with.”
According to Women’s Aid, one in four women experience domestic violence over their life time whilst between 6-10 per cent of women suffer domestic violence in a given year.
MFG Solicitors – Free Legal Clinics
Action for Children
Treetops Children’s Centre, Woodbury Road, Kidderminster DY11 7JJ.
Clinics held on the first Tuesday of every month
Action for Children
Rainbow Children’s Centre, Radford Avenue, Kidderminster DY10 2PU.
Clinics held on the third Wednesday of every month
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