Open Support Clinic
Request legal advice or support
What the clinic does
Single Parents Union's Open Support Clinic provides legal advice, practical guidance and support to single mothers and single fathers. We help you understand your rights, consider your options and prepare your next steps when facing legal or workplace difficulties.
You can request support with employment disputes, family-related legal issues and other matters within our team's expertise. Each enquiry is assessed so we can identify the appropriate advice, assistance or referral.
Request legal advice or support
McKenzie Friend support England & Wales
Facing court proceedings without a solicitor can feel overwhelming. We offer McKenzie Friend support to help single mothers and single fathers feel more prepared and supported when representing themselves.
Support can include organising case papers, preparing notes and questions, explaining the court process, taking notes during hearings and providing quiet advice and moral support.
McKenzie Friend support is subject to the court's permission and the rules applying to your proceedings. A McKenzie Friend does not automatically have the right to address the court or conduct litigation on your behalf. Enquiries from Scotland and Northern Ireland are assessed separately under the applicable local rules.
Request McKenzie Friend supportWorkplace support and representation
We support single mothers and single fathers experiencing workplace conflict, including grievances, disciplinary proceedings, bullying, discrimination and difficulties balancing employment with caring responsibilities.
We can help you understand your employment rights, organise evidence, prepare correspondence and get ready for meetings. We can also provide accompaniment and representation at workplace meetings where our representative is entitled or permitted to attend.
We will discuss the meeting type, applicable accompaniment rights and any employer agreement needed before confirming attendance.
Request workplace support
How it works
- 1
Active paid members send a short request
- 2
Your request awaits clinic opening
- 3
When the clinic opens, we assess whether we can help
- 4
If accepted, we agree the scope and any next steps with you
Submitting a request does not mean SPU has accepted your case or is monitoring its deadlines. If your matter is urgent or involves a deadline, please seek alternative support now. We cannot currently promise a response time.
Support categories
- Legal advice
- McKenzie Friend support
- Workplace meeting support and representation
- Benefits and financial guidance
- Wellbeing, education and returning to work
The member request form asks about your UK nation, your issue, any important dates or deadlines, the support you would like, and how we can contact you safely. Providing dates does not mean SPU will monitor them.
Not covered
Emergencies, court representation, criminal matters, and regulated financial or debt advice.
Confidentiality
Your request is seen only by authorised clinic staff, and clinic records are kept separate from community discussions. We may need to share information if someone is at serious risk of harm.
Accessibility
Tell us about any communication, language or accessibility needs and we will do our best to adapt.
Single Parents Union is not a solicitors' firm. Where your matter needs a solicitor or regulated advice, we will say so and help you find the right service.