UEA-led website launches to help Norfolk families navigate family courts
By: Communications
People involved in family court cases in Norfolk can now access free guidance and advice through a new website.
The Norfolk Family Courts information website, from the University of East Anglia (UEA) Law Clinic and charity Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS), is a free resource designed to help local families better understand the family justice system and access support at some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Hosted by UEA, it brings together clear, accessible information to help people navigate family court processes, understand their options, write court documents and forms, and find local sources of advice and support.
The website includes information on issues such as divorce, child maintenance, child arrangements, finances on divorce, court fees, and domestic abuse protection measures. It also provides practical guidance on attending court, including what to expect at hearings, accessibility adjustments, and available support services.
South Norfolk is now considered a legal aid desert across all five areas of law (housing, family, crime, immigration and employment) analysed by Lexis Nexis for its 2026 report on this issue. This means that even people eligible for legal aid can struggle to find a solicitor, with East Cambridgeshire and Babergh in Suffolk also identified as areas of particular need.
Family and domestic abuse matters are also currently the largest area of demand for NCLS services, with many people facing waits for advice.
Prof Polly Morgan, Professor of Family Law and Director of the UEA Law Clinic, who led the development of the website and has more than 20 years’ experience as a family law solicitor, said: “I’ve worked with the NCLS family team for many years and have seen first-hand the huge demand for support – especially for family and domestic abuse advice.
“At the same time, family courts are facing significant delays, particularly in cases involving children, where we have some of the longest delays in the country. This leaves many families navigating a complex and stressful process without legal representation.
“We created this website to provide clear, practical guidance on everything they may need to know – from completing court forms to understanding how decisions are made. When court proceedings are necessary, better access to information can help people present their cases more effectively, enabling courts to make decisions based on clearer evidence and supporting a smoother process for everyone involved.
“By helping people navigate the process with confidence, we hope to reduce anxiety, improve access to reliable information and ensure support can be focused where it is needed most.”
Image: Prof Polly Morgan
Developed with specialist input from Norfolk Community Law Service, as well as charities and organisations involved in family law, the website aims to make family court information easier to access and understand for people across Norfolk.
The website features guidance on a range of areas for local courts, including:
- Mediation and how to reach agreement without having to go to court
- How to fill in forms and documents for court
- Practical information – such as parking, accessibility, what to wear, security searches
- Court behaviour and what happens at hearings
- Special measures and reasonable adjustments
- Children – such as parental responsibility, co-parenting and communication apps, child abduction
- Unhealthy relationships – such as recognising domestic abuse and legal protections
- Step by step guides on how to write documents for hearings about finances on divorce.
Tia is a Lived Experience Expert at Children's Services, Norfolk County Council, who drew on her own experiences of the courts to help advise on the development of the Norfolk Family Courts website.
She said: “Parents need support just as much as children, and I feel that services are really listening to parents and giving us a voice. I love being part of this and using my lived experience to make a positive difference for other families.
“This website will make a difference for people who are struggling, unsure of what to expect, or feeling anxious. It will help parents understand what to expect and where they can access support. The website is clear and easy to navigate, which is especially important for families who may find websites difficult to use or who struggle with reading.”
UEA Law Clinic
Founded in 2012, the multi-award-winning UEA Law Clinic is a free, legal service – covering 14 different areas of law with support from UEA’s partners – dedicated to helping those within the local community who cannot afford paid advice.
It also aims to provide valuable real-world opportunities for student volunteers to gain experience and make a difference alongside their studies.
UEA Law Clinic is a joint venture between UEA Law School, members of the local legal profession, external charities, and organisations such as Norfolk Community Law Service and Shelter.
Alongside the new website, the Clinic has also developed a funded advice guide for social enterprises, charities and community groups.
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