In Court Advice
November 2010
The project has reached its first anniversary and this would seem a good time to reflect on the work to date. We have assisted 168 clients and had 643 client contacts. We have dealt with heritable, small claims and other summary cause actions.
It is pleasing to report the support the Sheriff Courts give to the project and in the main local solicitors have been supportive and have begun referring clients to us.
The service has been advertised on a local and national basis using all forms of media and most recently on Stagecoach buses and on the customer services screens in Dumfries and Kirkcudbright Post Offices.
As a result of the strong foundations laid in the first year we feel we are well placed to continue to assist our clients in 2011 and beyond.
September 2010
This new item of legislation is intended to assist borrowers who are having difficulty paying their mortgage.
There are now new duties placed on the lenders and every case now must call in court.
Importantly there is provision in the Act for Lay Representatives to appear in court on behalf of clients which prior to this Act was not possible.
We would urgently urge anybody who is experiencing difficulty paying their mortgage to contact Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service as early intervention can prevent a case reaching court!
June 2010
Project Update
The demand for the In Court Advice Service continues to grow with a total of ninety five cases and 349 client contacts since the project began in October 2009 and referrals are coming from solicitors and bureau across the region.
The threat of eviction can be a harrowing experience for many people in the new age of austerity, the two project workers have been active in preserving clients tenancies by working with the clients, the landlords and the heritable court.
Very often early intervention prevents the client ever having to face a court.
The project workers have been instrumental in providing advice and assistance including representation in the small claims court. Many cases are resolved by mediation prior to being heard in court thus saving everybody time and money.
November 2009
Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service bid successfully for funding from the Scottish Legal Aid Board and has appointed a full time and a part time “In Court Adviser”.
These posts have been created due to the financial difficulties people across S
cotland are experiencing at this time.
DAGCAS provides crucial advice at critical moments in people's lives.
For any one person and their family dealing with legal issues or having to attend a court hearing can be extremely stressful and unnerving. Fortunately through our community presence we can advise and support clients who find themselves in such a situation.
Now, more than ever, people need our help and this funding will help extend service provision within Dumfries & Galloway.
We know that the majority of repossession cases are not defended and that even where homeowners do take action to try to keep their homes, many go unrepresented or don’t turn up at court. In many cases early resolution of the problem might have meant avoidance of court altogether. We also know that helping someone avoid repossession does not always end their problems and that follow up work to tackle unresolved issues needs to be made available
Housing and Communities Minister, Alex Neil said, “Communities across Scotland are feeling the pinch in these challenging economic times. Families and individuals struggling with debt can frequently feel stressed and isolated. That is why this funding, which has been provided by the Scottish Government, will make a real difference to families across the country in need of debt advice.”
The In Court Advisers will be available at all three Sherriff Courts on days when the civil court sits and will be available for advice on legal matters including
Eviction
Repossession
Debt
Small Claims
Attending Court
Representation
Contact details
Telephone 01387 266 886
FAX 01387 253 212