Pay As You Go Scheme for Children Legal Disputes (PAYG)

• Posted onMarch 2, 2026

Flexible Legal Advice When Full Representation Isn’t Affordable

WSP Solicitors offer a Pay as You Go (PAYG) scheme for clients involved in disputes about children following separation. This allows you to instruct a family solicitor for legal advice without committing to full representation, helping you stay in control of legal costs while still accessing expert support. (Originally posted March 2019, updated March 2026).

Why the Pay as You Go Scheme Was Introduced

WSP’s Family Department understands that full legal representation is not financially possible for all clients seeking advice.

Many people needing help with children disputes are dealing with disagreements with an ex‑partner about post‑separation arrangements, while managing limited financial resources.

Common Questions Parents Ask in Children Disputes

Clients often seek advice on issues such as:

• Who the children will live with
• When the children will spend time with the other parent
• Whether an ex‑partner can prevent contact altogether

The Traditional Way: Full Representation Explained

Full representation is the traditional way of instructing a solicitor.

In a children dispute, this means your solicitor would:

• Provide legal advice
• Write to your ex‑partner or their solicitor
• Attempt to resolve issues and reach agreement
• Draft or respond to court applications if required
• Liaise with the court on your behalf
• Represent you throughout court proceedings

Children cases can involve a significant amount of work, particularly if court proceedings are issued, and legal costs reflect this level of involvement.

Flexible Funding Options at WSP Solicitors

WSP offer a full range of funding options for clients who choose full representation, including:

• Assessment for legal aid eligibility
• Fixed fee schemes
• Payment based on an hourly rate

However, many clients who would have qualified for legal aid before the April 2013 scope changes are no longer eligible. This has made full representation difficult to afford for those on modest incomes with little capital.

What Is the Pay as You Go Scheme for Children Disputes?

The Pay as You Go scheme allows you to instruct a WSP family solicitor for legal advice while remaining responsible for running your own case.

This approach means:

• You receive legal advice as needed
• You control how much you spend on legal fees
• You decide when to seek further support

How Pay as You Go Legal Advice Works

Under the PAYG scheme, you receive help through face‑to‑face advice sessions.

Key features include:

• You pay for each advice session at the end of the meeting
• Charges are based on your solicitor’s hourly rate
• You can return for further advice whenever necessary

Representation in Court Under the PAYG Scheme

If you do not wish to represent yourself in court as a Litigant in Person, advocacy can be arranged.

Under the Pay as You Go scheme:

• Court representation is charged as a fixed fee
• This option is available if you choose not to conduct advocacy yourself

This can be particularly valuable, as representing yourself at a court hearing can be daunting without legal training.

Who Is the Pay as You Go Scheme Suitable For?

The Pay as You Go scheme is designed for clients who:

• Need legal advice about child/children arrangements
• Are no longer eligible for legal aid
• Cannot afford full representation
• Want greater control over their legal costs

Getting Advice on Children Disputes

WSP Solicitors’ Family Department can help you explore whether the Pay As You Go scheme is right for your situation.

This flexible approach allows you to access professional legal advice while managing your budget and progressing your case at your own pace.

For expert children and family law advice, you can contact WSP Solicitors’ local offices, servicing the whole of Gloucestershire, including; Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury or the Forest of Dean, or use the enquiry form on this page to request a callback.