Settlement for survivors of domestic abuse
If your relationship ended because of abuse, you do not have to stay in it to stay in the UK. There is a route to settle here in your own right, and you may be able to get help with the costs. Everything you tell us is confidential.
Is this you?
People in the UK as the partner of a British citizen or settled person, or under some other partner routes, whose relationship broke down because of domestic abuse.
What we do for you
- Check legal aid first; many people qualify, and if you do we transfer you to Kalsi Legal Aid at no charge
- Help you apply for the fee waiver and the temporary permission to access support where it applies
- Gather evidence gently and at your pace: police, medical, support services, statements
- Prepare and submit the settlement application
What we check before anything is submitted
- Your current or last permission
- Evidence of abuse from any source; there is no single required document
- Evidence that the relationship has ended
- Safety: how we contact you and what we send where
The fee, the timescale and who does the work
£1,400 to £2,000 plus VAT where legal aid is not available.
Your exact fixed fee is confirmed on the free call and agreed in writing before any chargeable work starts. Home Office fees and the health surcharge are paid separately; see the Fees page for the full list.
Our fee covers taking your instructions, assessing eligibility, telling you what evidence is needed and reviewing it, preparing and drafting the application and any representations, submitting it, dealing with Home Office requests for information, and advising you on the decision.
Typical timescale. The Home Office aims to deal with these quickly; we tell you what to expect in your case.
Who handles it. A named, Law Society accredited caseworker runs your matter from the first call to the decision, supervised by a solicitor who signs off the application.
Questions we hear every week
I did not report anything to the police; can I still apply?
Yes, other evidence can be used.
Can I get help with costs?
Often yes, through legal aid and a fee waiver.
Will my ex-partner be contacted?
We plan the case around your safety and tell you exactly what happens.
You are not on your own with this. Book a free, confidential call, or check legal aid at Kalsi Legal Aid.
Start with a free call.
Twenty minutes, booked online, nothing charged. The route, the cost and whether you meet the rules today.