National Legal Service

National Legal Service: family solicitors in England and Wales

National Legal Service is a national firm of family solicitors serving England and Wales. Its work focuses on family law, children law, care proceedings and domestic abuse. The firm describes itself as one of the largest legal aid providers for domestic abuse cases in England.

The firm describes its work as supporting people through difficult and often urgent situations: separation, court proceedings, social services involvement or concerns about safety at home. Its approach, according to the firm itself, is to explain the legal process, set out the available options and represent the client where necessary, without promising outcomes.

Areas of practice

Private family law

Private family solicitors advise on disputes between parents, carers and other family members. The service list includes divorce and annulment, financial settlements, financial remedy orders, consent orders, pension sharing orders, protecting inheritance and wealth in divorce, child arrangement orders, international child relocation, cohabitation agreements and property disputes between unmarried couples.

Children law and social services

The child care area represents parents and family members in care proceedings and other matters involving children's services. The firm explains the Public Law Outline (PLO) process, the role of Cafcass and the court's focus on the child's welfare. It also advises on adoption, child protection, emergency protection orders, guardianship, secure accommodation orders, special guardianship orders, supervision orders, the PLO process, pre-proceedings and section 20.

Domestic abuse

In domestic abuse matters, the firm handles non-molestation orders, occupation orders, domestic abuse protection orders (DAPO) and prohibited steps orders, as well as advising on parental responsibility and legal aid.

Other areas

The firm also offers oaths and certifications services, and works in public law and social services-related matters.

Legal aid and multilingual team

Legal aid is a central part of the firm's work, and it describes itself as one of the largest legal aid providers for domestic abuse cases in England. National Legal Service has a diverse team of solicitors across England and Wales, including multilingual professionals who assist clients who prefer to discuss sensitive family matters in a language other than English.

Offices and background

The firm states that it began operating in Aldgate and now operates from several offices across the country. Its offices listed on its website include Birmingham, Croydon, Dartford, Gillingham, Guildford, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Luton, Maidstone, Middlesbrough, Sheffield and York.

Recognition and outreach

The firm publishes articles and guides on topics such as what happens to pets in a divorce, the accessibility of legal advice for people with hearing loss, and its participation in the Liverpool Legal Walk. The firm states that it has been recognised in The Legal 500 2027 in the Family: Children Law category.

Corporate details

National Legal Service Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under number 639352. Its company number is 10786983 and its VAT number is 272125818.

Location and contact

Dowgate Hill House, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU · Phone: 020 3601 5051 · Email: info@nationallegalservice.co.uk