Mental Health
Mental Health Law Solicitors
A person detained under the Mental Health Act has the right to challenge their detention before a tribunal. Mental health solicitors represent patients at those hearings and advise families in England and Wales.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
Overview
What this area covers
Mental health law in England and Wales centres on the Mental Health Act 1983, which allows people to be detained and treated in hospital in certain circumstances, and sets out safeguards including the right to challenge detention before a tribunal.
Common situations
When you may need a mental health solicitor
- You or a relative has been detained under a section of the Mental Health Act.
- You want to challenge a Community Treatment Order.
- You are a nearest relative wanting to understand your rights.
The solicitor’s role
How a mental health solicitor can help
A mental health solicitor explains the detention and your rights, applies to the tribunal, gathers reports, and represents you at the hearing. They can also advise nearest relatives about discharge and displacement.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- Details of the section and date of detention
- Hospital and ward details
- Any tribunal correspondence
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
Look for membership of the Law Society’s Mental Health accreditation scheme.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find mental health solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle mental health matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
A common question
Does a detained patient pay for a tribunal lawyer?
Legal aid for Mental Health Tribunal representation is not means-tested, so detained patients can usually be represented free of charge.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.