Representation On Court
County court housing advice and representation schemes
Summary
These schemes aim to provide free, independent and confidential advice and representation. To qualify you must:
- be a homeowner or tenant attending a hearing in possession proceedings due to arrears
- not have previously obtained advice
- be without legal representation
Most schemes have been initiated by advice agencies and/or solicitors in private practice who attend court on a voluntary basis, but the impetus for some has come from the courts.
Schemes can vary considerably:
- some deal with either mortgage or rent cases - others with both
- activities at court are commonly limited to dealing with repossession cases, but some also provide help with other matters, e.g. debt problems unrelated to housing
- most involve duty advisers attending court on a rota basis on set days when cases are listed for hearing - only a few have a permanent or daily presence at court
- some are staffed by advisers from only one advice agency, others by advisers from several agencies, including local solicitors' firms.
As well as performing their core role, these schemes can help to identify other advice needs. If duty advisers are unable to help then they are often able to make referrals to agencies which can.
Further Information
For more information, please contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or use the contact details below.