Help with childcare costs for single parent when going to lawyer or court

property.advert

I'm a single parent on benefits and I have to regularly go to court (family division - not been naughty ), also to see my barrister and meet with my lawyers. On all these occasions, I have to pay for childcare and it is about £40 a day (usually takes near a full day each time) and I just cannot afford it.

I've got a New Deal travel card as I was getting hit with a £10 charge for travel (London starting before 9am) but even that is £5 a time now (needs train and then tubes). I could complain about having to buy expensive City food when out as well.

It is the childcare really as I don't have lots of £40s lying around. In fact, I don't have any as I'm broke. Last Monday I went to court and the judge was sick so we got nothing done. I still had to pick up the childcare fees though.

I know I've got quite a few days coming when I will have to pay and I haven't got the money.

I've looked around for specific guides on this but they all relate to criminal cases and when you are a witness etc.

Any ideas ?

seven-day-weekend

Can't help about the childcare, but about the food ....could you not take packed lunches??

jasperlil

Hi the only thing I can think of suggesting is to ring your family information service which is based within your local council offices (ours is) and ask if they know of any funding that may be avaiable to help you pay for your childcare.
hth

chesky369

You could always take your child with you - you might find your'e magically moved to the front of the hearings!

LizzieS_2

I am guessing the family division is a connection to finalising a divorce? If so, you can request the fees are added to your costs - your ex can do the same.

property.advert

chesky369 wrote: »

You could always take your child with you - you might find your'e magically moved to the front of the hearings!

I had to take my child to one meeting with my lawyers and it was a nightmare. We could do nothing.

Now if I was a criminal, I could have help so I'm guessing there might be something but you can't get to speak to CAB here.

LizzieS_2

property.advert wrote: »

I had to take my child to one meeting with my lawyers and it was a nightmare. We could do nothing.

Now if I was a criminal

Criminal = right to defend

Civil court on family matters = choice when to call it a day.

The best you can achieve is adding it to your costs and hoping you win.