I was sexually abused by my adoptive father .The first time in 1976 he was convicted.I was seven and could not claim compensation,but now the law lords have changed the law.Will that make a difference for me being able to claim.As a result of the abuse that continued after of which the man has not been brought to justice I was put in a boarding school for kids with emotional problems where I was abused by a schoolboy,the school did nothing and just covered it up even though there was a witness,can I make a claim against the local authority given the new law and who can I sit and talk to for free legal advice on how to make a start. Thank you!

Hello sean:

I'd shop around for a lawyer. If you have a case, the lawyer will take it on a contingency basis, meaning that you won't pay unless you win. If they take your case, they'll give you plenty of advice - but it ain't free. Those lawyers who don't take your case won't give you any free legal advice.

The only place I know to get free legal advice is right here.

excon

Hi,excon,that was a valuable input, thank you kindly!Do you know about the new case of the law lords changing the law on claims in the light of the criminal rapist who won £7.000.000 on the lottery and the women being given the right to claim on his fortune out of time,I>E the six year deadline and do you think I have a case in relation to what I've asked you before.I presume although an excon your now doing something more useful as is evident,which may cause you a bias in your opinion of such overulings by the law lords.Thankyou!

Without knowing where you are located or what law you refer to, we really can't advise. Sometimes laws grandfather in past cases. So your best bet is to find a family court lawyer familiar with such cases. As excon said, they will probably accept the case on a contingency basis if they feel they can get compensation.

I merged your two questions. Please don't start another thread for the same issue. Just reply to this one.

I assume you are in the UK by your use of the pound symbol. Again, without knowing the wording of the law its hard to answer you.

Without knowing where you are located or what law you refer to, we really can't advise. Sometimes laws grandfather in past cases. So your best bet is to find a family court lawyer familiar with such cases. As excon said, they will probably accept the case on a contingency basis if they feel they can get compensation.

I feel lost at what to do really.I come from england and it's the criminal law to do with sexual abuse of minors that I will need to know about.Do you think I have a case.I agree with you though and will find a family court lawer to take this on.I,ve been promted into further action because of the new overalling by the law lords on a rape case.:)

I really can't tell whether you have a case or not. I DO think its worth pursuing by consulting with a solicitor. A solicitor familiar with Family Court issues will be able to advise better than we can. I know, in the US, many attornies will give a free consultation.

Thank you, that's helpful scott