HUDDERSFIELD people could be missing out on legal aid.
The Legal Services Commission has revealed many people are unaware that they are entitled to specialist legal help for family matters.
These include domestic violence, abuse and harassment cases, divorce or separation, child custody cases, child care proceedings and property or money resolutions.
Peter Nelson, Yorkshire and Humber director of the Legal Services Commission, said: "We help people, some of whom are among the most vulnerable in our society.
"This is about dealing with real life issues and in most cases, one legal problem leads to another.
"Don't assume that you are not entitled to legal aid."
He said most families will experience some kind of legal problem.
LSC figures show that 66% of single parents will suffer a legal problem and one in four children in Britain will have divorced parents by the time they are 16.
The LSC helps 300,000 people in family disputes each year.
Mr Nelson said many people were apprehensive about contacting a lawyer.
"Although contacting a lawyer may seem daunting, I'd encourage people to be proactive," he said.
"Legal aid lawyers explore the options for individual circumstances and identify specialist support."
People can find out if they are entitled to legal aid by contacting a lawyer who holds the LSC's Specialist Quality Mark in Family Law.
Alternatively, people can look for a lawyer on the Community Legal Service Direct website, www.clsdirect.org.uk.
