OVER the last two years there has been a substantial cut in the availability of Legal Aid. So how do people facing difficulties find the help they might need to resolve those issues?

It is possible to apply for exceptional funding, but the number of successful applications which have been made since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 came in are negligible; so far only 69 applications from 1,500 applications have been granted in the two years that the Act has been law.

In Oxfordshire there are some options: p As I have written about recently, we have the Resolution Family Matters scheme, where parents on low incomes can receive free support from solicitor/mediators who can provide assistance and legal information. They can be contacted on 01865 406038 or 406009.

* There is a scheme run by local family solicitors on certain family days at the local court, where you might be able to receive free advice and assistance in court.

* There is the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

* In the West Berkshire area, there is Flag DV, although you need to be referred by an agency such as ODSA or your Housing Association.

* For victims of domestic abuse who cannot obtain the right proof of domestic abuse or who do not know where to start there is ODSA who can be contacted on 0800 731 0055.

* You might be able to pay for some legal advice or representation using litigation funding loans – ask a solicitor about this.

Many solicitors also offer fixed fee or reduced fee services, to try and assist you perhaps with the most tricky aspect of your case, such as attending a hearing with you, or helping you draft a statement. Shop around and see what is on offer. My firm certainly offers a number of different options, and we are not alone.

You should also remember that Legal Aid is still available for family mediation and also to fund legal advice supporting mediation – so you can agree something in mediation and receive Legal Aid to pay a solicitor to draft the consent order or parenting agreement.

You might be able to access the Bar Council’s Pro Bono unit, but you will need to be referred to them by a solicitor, and this must be done at least three weeks before your hearing. Some barristers offer direct access schemes.

At some courts, law students from local universities provide assistance to unrepresented parties.

There is no doubt that over the last two years, many people have had their access to justice seriously undermined.