Direct Access

What is Direct Access?

Direct Access means you can instruct a specialist family law barrister yourself, without first hiring a solicitor.

We advise you, prepare your case, and represent you in court where appropriate, all through a direct professional relationship with you.

You stay in control of your case, with expert advocacy and clear guidance at every stage. In simple terms: you come straight to us for specialist legal help.

What Direct Access Isn’t

Direct Access does not remove the need for legal preparation; it simply changes who provides the service.

It is not:

  • A DIY legal service

  • A replacement for all solicitor functions in every case

  • Suitable where extensive ongoing case management is required

  • Informal advice without professional obligations

Where your case would benefit from additional support (for example document handling or complex evidence management), we will tell you clearly and help you decide the best route forward.

  • Our Direct Access service puts you in control. Here’s how we support you every step of the way:

    • Cost-Effective Expertise: By working directly with our barristers, you benefit from high-level expertise without the additional fees of a solicitor. Our self-employed status means we can keep costs down, with fixed fees agreed upon upfront so you always know what to expect.

    • Clear, Transparent Fees: Our transparent fee structure ensures you’ll never face hidden charges. Every case begins with an agreed-upon cost, helping you plan your legal expenses with confidence.

    • Full Legal Support: When working through Direct Access, our barristers provide all essential services including tailored advice, representation and document drafting. For complex cases where solicitor input may be necessary, we guide you on the best course of action.

  • Direct Access is suitable for a wide range of family law matters, including:

    • Child arrangements and custody

    • Divorce and separation issues

    • Financial settlements

    • Parental responsibility matters

    • Protection orders and more

    While we don’t handle administrative tasks, like filing court documents, we offer comprehensive guidance and ensure you understand each step of the process, keeping everything straightforward.

  • Getting started with Direct Access is easy at Unit Chambers:

    1. Free Online Consultation: We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your case and assess if Direct Access is the right fit for you.

    2. Nationwide Support: Our barristers work with clients nationwide and are available for virtual meetings via Zoom, Skype, and Teams, ensuring accessible support wherever you are.

    3. Quick Response Times: When you complete our application form, we’ll respond within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation and discuss how we can help.

Instruct A Barrister Directly

Benefits compared with the traditional route

  • Expert advocacy from the start: You work directly with a specialist family barrister, the person who will advise and represent you.

  • Greater cost control: By removing an extra professional layer, many clients find the overall cost is lower and more predictable.

  • Faster access to advice: You can obtain specialist legal guidance quickly, without multiple referral stages.

  • Clear and direct communication: You speak directly with your barrister about strategy, options, and next steps.

  • Flexible support: We tailor our involvement to your needs; from advice only to full representation.

Book a FREE Suitability Call

Engage with barristers directly without significant wait times.

Save Time

Save on solicitor costs by going direct. Services include consultations, representation and drafting.

Save Costs

Nationwide Support

Virtual support ensures accessibility wherever you are based.

Compassionate, transparent and tailored solutions for individuals navigating complex family law challenges.

Human-centered Approach

Download our Direct Access Guide to learn how the process works, what to expect from your barrister and how to make the most of your time with us.

Our Direct Access Barristers

FAQs

  • Our accomplished barristers hold Direct Access legal accreditation, specialising in family law. They offer a range of services including:

    • Providing legal insights and advice

    • Crafting legal documents on your behalf

    • Representing you in court

    If you require assistance in any of these areas, kindly fill out the online application form. Rest assured, you’ll receive a response within 24 hours.

  • To start the process of direct access representation, follow these steps:

    1. Complete the online application form.

    2. Within 24 hours, our Direct Access Manager will contact you to help you select the right barrister for your case.

    3. Your case details will then be shared with the chosen barrister.

    4. The barrister will offer a free 15-minute screening call to assess case suitability and mutual interest. This helps both parties understand the case before any formal commitments.

    5. If you choose to proceed with the barrister, our Direct Access Manager will communicate the fees, always in writing.

    6. Upon agreement with the quote and the terms, you’ll receive an agreement and client care letter. All you need to do is provide two forms of ID, make the payment and sign the client care letter.

    7. After ID verification and payment, the barrister will start working. If additional work arises, fees will be discussed, agreed upon and paid in advance.

    8. All fees are subject to 20% VAT.

    Please complete the Direct Access application form. A response will be received within 24 hours.

  • We are unable to accept legal aid cases; our direct access services are privately funded. Payment is required in advance, with terms outlined in your agreement. Typically, we request 100% of the fee within 7 days of the hearing.

    Costs depend on case complexity, barrister choice, work volume, hearing type and paperwork. You can complete the form below for accurate assessment and cost discussion. Quotes are based on hourly rates or fixed fees, subject to VAT. Payment options include online or direct bank transfer.

    Our public access team’s hourly rates range from £150-£750 + VAT, managed by Emma Wall, our public access lead. Additional costs are agreed in advance, covering travel and accommodation if needed. For added work, you’re consulted beforehand; leaving you with no unexpected bills. Our fees framework is detailed in the Transparency Document.

    Legal aid inquiries can consult solicitors for eligibility. If eligible, you can still choose private barrister services. Our Support Team can assist you with anything you may need; contact us using the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.

  • Absolutely, we have the technology available for you pay directly online via our secure payment method.

Complete Direct Access Application

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