Free Legal Support for Fathers: The Mark Williams Foundation Hosts First Drop-In Evening in East Lothian
Are you a father struggling to access your children, understand your legal rights or afford legal advice? The Mark Williams Foundation is hosting a free legal support drop-in evening to help fathers navigate the family law system and understand the options available to them.
In partnership with DadsWork SCIO, The Mark Williams Foundation is bringing together fathers and volunteer legal professionals for an evening of free, practical guidance and support in Prestonpans, East Lothian.
For many fathers facing separation, disputes over child contact or difficulties navigating the legal system, accessing professional legal advice can be overwhelming and expensive. Some simply cannot afford the support they need, leaving them uncertain about their rights, their options and how to move forward.
We believe that financial circumstances should not prevent a father from understanding his rights or accessing the guidance he needs to maintain a meaningful relationship with his children.
That is why we are hosting our first Father Support Evening, providing fathers with the opportunity to speak directly with a family lawyer, completely free of charge.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 28th October 2026
Time: 5pm–7pm
Location: DadsWork SCIO, 9a Orchard Crescent, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9JJ
Cost: FREE – Drop-in event
Free Legal Guidance When It's Needed Most
The primary purpose of this evening is to make legal guidance more accessible to fathers who are struggling to navigate the family law system.
A qualified family lawyer will be volunteering their time to offer free, informal legal guidance to fathers who may be experiencing difficulties with child contact arrangements, separation or understanding their legal position.
Whether you are at the beginning of a difficult family situation, already involved in legal proceedings or simply unsure of your rights and what steps to take next, this evening is an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of your options.
There is no charge to attend or access the legal guidance available on the evening.
You do not need to have a solicitor, be involved in court proceedings or know exactly what help you need. If you are a father struggling to understand your legal options, we encourage you to come along.
More Than Legal Advice: Connecting Fathers Through Shared Experiences
While access to free legal guidance is at the heart of this event, we also recognise the importance of emotional and practical support.
Separation and difficulties maintaining relationships with children can be incredibly isolating. Many fathers find themselves facing challenges without knowing anyone who has experienced something similar.
Alongside the legal drop-in, the evening will provide an informal, welcoming space for fathers to meet others, share experiences and offer encouragement.
Through peer-to-peer support, fathers can build connections, learn from one another and recognise that they do not have to face these challenges alone.
With refreshments available and support from the DadsWork team, we hope to create an environment where fathers feel comfortable, listened to and supported, without pressure or judgement.
A New Approach to Supporting Fathers
This event also marks an important step in how The Mark Williams Foundation delivers its legal support programme.
Rather than relying solely on the charity funding legal representation through external law firms, we are developing a network of qualified legal professionals who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise.
By working with lawyers who share our commitment to protecting children’s relationships with loving fathers, we aim to make legal guidance available to more families, while ensuring the Foundation’s resources can achieve a greater impact.
Our partnership with DadsWork is an important part of this approach, bringing together legal expertise, community support and organisations committed to improving outcomes for fathers and their children.
This is our first Father Support Evening, but our ambition is to make these sessions a regular opportunity for fathers to access free legal guidance and ongoing support.
What Can You Expect on the Evening?
- Free legal guidance: Speak with a volunteer family lawyer about your circumstances, rights and possible next steps.
- Practical support: Gain a better understanding of the family law system and the options available to you.
- Peer-to-peer connections: Meet other fathers who may have experienced similar challenges.
- A welcoming environment: Informal conversations, refreshments and a space free from judgement.
- Ongoing support: Learn more about the work of The Mark Williams Foundation and DadsWork and how they may be able to help.
Join Us – Wednesday 28th October
If you are a father struggling to access your children, unable to afford legal advice or simply feeling lost in the family law system, please come along.
You do not have to navigate these challenges alone, and getting the guidance you need should not depend on your ability to pay.
Wednesday 28th October | 5pm–7pm
DadsWork SCIO, 9a Orchard Crescent, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9JJ
Free to attend. No appointment necessary. Just drop in.
At The Mark Williams Foundation, our mission is to protect children's rights to meaningful relationships with loving fathers. Making legal support more accessible is an important part of turning that commitment into action.
If you know a father who could benefit from this evening, please share this event with him. It could be the first step towards getting the support he needs.