Medico-Legal Reports (MLR)

Medico-Legal Expertise You Can Trust

At MLR@UMatter, we produce independent medico-legal reports (MLRs) that document the physical, psychological, or psychiatric impact of torture, trafficking, and other serious forms of abuse. Our reports support asylum, trafficking, and human rights claims with clinical accuracy and compassion.

Our reports are written by trauma experts, qualified doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, and follow internationally recognised standards, including the Istanbul Protocol & Palermo Protocol 

Reports are regularly used in asylum, immigration, and human rights cases and are respected by courts and decision-making bodies across the UK.

An MLR can be life-changing, helping survivors of trauma have their voices heard and ensuring their experiences are properly understood within legal proceedings.

MLR

Medico Legal Report FAQs

What is a Medico-Legal Report?

A Medico-Legal Report (MLR) documents the psychological and/or physical effects of torture, trafficking, or other forms of ill-treatment that an individual has been subjected to.

MLRs are written by qualified clinical specialists and are commissioned by a legal representative who provides detailed instructions. These reports are submitted to the Home Office or a Tribunal as independent, professional evidence to help corroborate a survivor’s testimony in asylum, trafficking, or other legal protection claims.

A Medico-Legal Report prepared by U Matter will usually cover the following areas:

  • Background & History of Trauma – a detailed account of the individual’s experiences and circumstances
  • Physical Injuries – documentation of scars, injuries, or other physical consequences of ill-treatment
  • Mental Health – assessment of psychological symptoms, including trauma-related disorders
  • Clinical Plausibility – expert opinion on whether the individual’s account is consistent with clinical findings
  • Treatment, Recommendations, and Prognosis – guidance on ongoing care and recovery needs
  • Fitness to Give Evidence – assessment of the individual’s ability to participate in legal proceedings
  • Fitness to be Detained – evaluation of the impact of detention on the individual’s health and wellbeing
  • Suicide Risk (if relevant) – consideration of current and future risk
  • Risk & Vulnerability on Return – assessment of potential risks if returned to their country of origin

At MLR, we are also committed to supporting individuals navigating complex life circumstances. We provide assistance with essential documentation and emotional wellbeing to help you access the services and support you need.

Which include: Letters of support

  • Housing Support Letters – To assist with applications to local councils, housing associations, or temporary accommodation services.
  • Council Letters – Including letters required for social services, welfare applications, or to explain personal circumstances.
  • University and College Letters – Supporting current or prospective students with documentation related to admissions, enrolment, or hardship situations.
  • Psychological and Emotional Support – Please contact our dedicated wellbeing team at: umattercounselling.org/

Contact us today to find out how we can support you or someone you know.

  • Referrals can be made by the client or their legal representative
  • Reports are available to individuals across the UK

Please note: “MLR Only” referrals do not include access to our wider care services (such as therapy or casework support).

To make a decision on a referral we need to be satisfied that we have a full understanding of the individual’s legal protection, welfare and housing, safeguarding, medical and therapy needs. It also should be clear from the referral why you feel that UMatter, in particular, is best placed to meet the individual’s needs.

Where insufficient information is provided, our Referrals Coordinator will need to request further information from the referrer, which may delay the process. We therefore ask that the referral form is completed with as much detail as possible.

Before discussing a referral we require, as a minimum: all available legal documentation relating to the ongoing immigration matter (including asylum interview notes, witness statement, Home Office decision letters and Appeal determinations) and up to date GP notes.

We ask that you please ensure that large bundles of documents are separated into their component parts and sent as separate pdfs wherever possible.

For this reason, it is very important that the consent form is completed and attached to the online referral form.

Minimum Required Documentation

When making a referral, please ensure that the following documents are included:

  • All available legal documentation relating to the ongoing immigration matter (e.g. asylum interview notes, witness statements, Home Office decision letters, and appeal determinations)
  • Include up-to-date GP or private medical records, if available
  • Any previous psychological evaluations, if available
Consent Form


A completed consent form must be attached to the online referral form. Without this, we will not be able to process your referral.

The fees for Medico-Legal Reports vary depending on the specialist’s qualifications and the level of expertise required to provide a thorough opinion. Typically, costs range from £1,800 to £3,500 or more. The fee reflects key factors such as:

  • The significant time required to review extensive documentation
  • The advanced expertise needed to assess complex medical or psychological evidence
  • The urgency of completing and submitting the report
Reduced Fees / Pro Bono Reports

UMatter can only offer reduced-fee or pro bono reports in exceptional cases. These must be requested at referral and agreed in writing before work begins. We cannot approve retrospective reductions once a report is commissioned.

If you are a legal representative for a survivor of trafficking or torture, you may request a Medico-Legal Report from U Matter.

  • You can make a “Medico-Legal Report (MLR) Only” referral through our online referral form. [add link]
  • Please note: this does not include access to our wider services, such as therapy or casework support.
  • Referrals may be submitted either by the client’s legal representative or directly by the client.
  • We can provide MLRs for individuals living anywhere in the UK.