A kindly barrister

[projuicehealth]

Short story: my daughter had a disastrous marriage and her children were abused by a cousin when in the care of their father. She met a chap who seemed really nice who left her as soon as she became pregnant, baby now 3 months old and he wants to take her away but there are some very strange circumstances. A previous partner has been in touch and she has had social services involved we are very worried. Social services failed to protect her first 2 children and frankly we have no faith in court system - you never get to say anything you consider important. It cost her thousands to protect her children last time which is so wrong. Now she's been made redundant has no money and needs a clever lawyer (the only progress she made last time was using a barrister) so any kind barristers out there who have a passion about protecting children but wants the experience rather than monetary reward. I know this is a real long shot but frankly we're desperate, can't believe we're going through this again! Please help.

[projuicehealth]

Thanks. I've just found the bar pro bono unit online. Do you know anyone who has ever used them / had services for free?

[projuicehealth]

Just noticed your username! Are you a barrister? We were so impressed with the barrister last time, he said very little but when he did people took notice and he ran a coach and horses through her ex husbands arguments.
There seems to be a problem with the courts who STILL do not understand abusive relationships especially emotional abuse and the damage it causes to children despite the news reports that they do.

[nickymanchester]

As babybarrister mentioned above I would also strongly recommend the bar pro bono unit.

Yes, I am aware of people that have successfully used them. However, more and more family cases are going there following the removal of legal aid so not everybody that applies can be helped.

Do be aware that you cannot apply to them directly but you must do it through a local organisation such as a Citizens Advice Bureau. I would suggest that you have a word with your local CAB and tell them that you need a referral to the bar pro bono unit. A lot of CABs don't have experience of this so you may need to help them or give them a little nudge if they appear reticent about referring you.