SPLITTING up or getting divorced can be one of the most difficult and stressful events a family can go through.

It’s easy to feel swamped or confused about what to do next.

Resolution’s Family Matters scheme can help you get the support and information you need so you can do what’s best for you and your family.

The pioneering pilot service helps separating families when at least one of them is on a low income.

Many of the parents that Family Matters assists were previously eligible for legal aid.

It has just been announced that the scheme has been granted an extension in funding to continue this free service for a further six months.

Family Matters is funded through the Department for Work and Pensions Innovation Fund and supports families struggling with separation in Newcastle, Crewe and Oxford.

The Oxford service is housed within the offices of Turpin & Miller LLP in Cowley and can be accessed by anyone who can attend the Oxford offices.

The service has helped more than 1,000 people since it began in 2013. Its success has seen Family Matters recently hire three new “guides” – experienced lawyers and mediators who help clients with information, support and referrals.

Resolution’s Family Matters project manager Jane Wilson said: “We are delighted that Resolution is able to continue to deliver vital support to separating couples for a further six months through our Family Matters service.

The loss of family legal aid has had a huge impact on the communities we work with and for many of the people we help, Family Matters is the only initial support they can access to help them through their separation.

“The numbers of people we’ve seen shows there is a real need for this type of service. ”

“Family Matters uniquely offers both parents information and support to help them work together through their separation in a way that causes as little disruption as possible to their children.

“Family Matters guides use their knowledge of the law and skills as mediators to provide a ‘holding hand’ for separating parents at a very stressful time.”

The service is free to any parents with dependent children. Where one of them is receiving state benefits – which include tax credits – or receives income of less than the Living Wage, currently £7.65 per hour, then both are able to use Family Matters.

There is no capital cap either, which means the scheme can be accessed by a lot more people than just those financially entitled to Legal Aid – particularly in Oxfordshire, where people’s property values have often taken them outside financial eligibility for Legal Aid.

To access the service please contact one of the Family Matters Guides on 01865 406038 or 01865 406009 or by email to familymatters.oxford@resolution.org.uk