Free legal advice in Coventry

Free advice services in Coventry

These organisations are charities or not-for-profit services. We list them for information; we have no connection with them.

Coventry Citizens Advice

Free, independent and impartial advice for people in Coventry, including help with debt and money problems. The main office is at Kirby House, Little Park Street, with drop-in sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. There is a freephone advice line and a webchat; see coventrycitizensadvice.org.uk for current times.

Central England Law Centre

Free legal advice and representation, funded by legal aid, on housing and homelessness, welfare benefits and migrant rights. It was known as Coventry Law Centre until 2015. Its Coventry office is at Kirby House, Little Park Street, CV1 2JZ. See centralenglandlc.org.uk.

Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre

Immigration and asylum advice and representation from advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (they are not solicitors). The centre is at Norton House, Bird Street, CV1 5FX. Ask the centre about costs. See covrefugee.org.

Legal aid

Legal aid can pay for some or all of your legal costs. According to GOV.UK, you might get it for problems including:

• homelessness, eviction, losing your home, or serious disrepair;
• protecting yourself or a child from abuse or harassment, such as domestic abuse or forced marriage;
• advice on finances, children or divorce if you have been in an abusive relationship;
• a child in your family being at risk of being taken into care;
• family mediation;
• discrimination, and asylum.

Whether you qualify usually depends on your problem and your finances. Use the GOV.UK legal aid checker, or contact Civil Legal Advice.

If you are questioned by the police

GOV.UK says you have the right to free legal advice if you are questioned at a police station. You can ask for the duty solicitor, who is independent of the police and available 24 hours a day, or name a solicitor yourself. See our criminal defence solicitors page.

A free first conversation with a solicitor

Some firms offer a short free first consultation or a drop-in session. Where a Coventry firm tells us about one, we show it on that firm’s own profile. Always ask a firm what is free and what is charged before you go into detail.

Other ways to keep costs down

• Legal expenses insurance. Check your home or car insurance, which sometimes covers legal costs.
• Trade union membership often includes legal advice about work.
• Fixed fees. SRA-regulated firms must publish prices for some services, including conveyancing, probate and some immigration and employment work. Compare them before you choose.