There are a lot of things for you to do over the next few months. So it is important to start preparing as soon as you can. Some things can take a long time.

The guidance below assumes you are preparing for a face-to-face hearing. Nowadays, lots of hearings take place by phone or by video call. Some people prefer this option. All of the advice, except about actually travelling to the hearing applies equally to hearings by video or phone.

This information applies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Understand how to agree a financial settlement if you are getting divorced or ending a civil partnership. We help you understand more about what a judge might order in a case like yours to give you a better chance of making a fair agreement with your ex without having to go to court. Includes information about clean break consent orders and maintenance, and how to work out what to do about the family home if you own or rent it. 

The information in this guide applies to England and Wales.

Step-by-step help if you are facing court or representing yourself

Support with starting a tenancy, and getting a guarantor.

What rights you have in rented accommodation can depend on what type of tenancy you have. For example, if you are renting from the council or a housing association, or if you are renting from a private landlord.

It can be difficult getting started with a tenancy if you cannot find someone to guarantee your rent, or if it is more difficult for you to prove that you have the right to enter or remain in the UK.

We will help you understand what your options are and work out how to solve any problems you encounter.

This guide is for you if you want to challenge the decision made by the council about your homelessness application. This guide will take you through the process step by step so that you can work out if you have the right to challenge what the council says about your homelessness problem, and how to do it. You can also find out where to go next for more help.    

The information in this guide to England only. The law may be different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you've been sent a section 21 notice by your private landlord or their letting agent or your housing association, you are likely to feel very worried. Try not to panic. 

This guide will help you work out what options you have when you have received a section 21 notice and decide what to do next. 

It also explains the eviction process, so that if you want to challenge your landlord's claim for a possession order, you know what to do when.    

The information in this guide applies to England only.

This guide is for you if you have nowhere to live right now. There are lots of different situations that can lead to people being homeless. It might be because you have been evicted by your private landlord or forced to leave your home by your ex or a family member. You might be sleeping rough, sofa surfing, or staying with someone temporarily. This guide tells you everything you need to know about what the council must do to help you. It sets out what steps to take next and where to find more help.    

The information in this guide to England only. The law may be different if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.