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citizens advice bureau
What sort of legal representation do you get through a Citizen's Advice Bureau, how do you qualify for it, and is it all free of charge? Also, do you have to visit a CAB in the area which your case centres around, or can you for example consult a CAB in Edinburgh when your case is centred in Dover?
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Advice is always free and anyone qualifies for it. You need to contact your nearest branch to where you live or work. They can't supply solicitors or barristers but they have people who have legal training for advice. They can also help you to apply for legal aid if your case qualifies. Best thing is to call them and ask.
I have recently had dealing with CAB. I could never get through on the phone, so I called in. I had to fill in a form, take a number and wait my turn. There was no opportunity to make an appointment. They didn't seem to deal that way. You just had to sit and wait. The adviser could not help me with my problem although he listened and asked appropriate questions. He then gave me a list of local solicitors with telephone numbers and addresses.Don't know how old you are but Age UK were far more helpful when I went to see them with the same problem.
Each CAB unit is a separate charity who may open branches in close locations, they usually contain some paid workers and many trained volunteer advisers. The method of contact varies from place to place, you may get some representation through the Legal Services Commission or it may depend on their speciality advisers and you will not be charged. They are part funded through their LA and some will not deal with clients from outside their area, I spent nearly four years doing some pro bono publico work for the CAB and was greatly impressed by their commitment and dedication particularly amongst the volunteers.
As Tony says, each CAB is a separate charity. Most of them get their main funding from their local authority so may be reluctant to take on complex cases from outside their area. In many areas - but by no means all - the demand on their services is such that lengthy waits are unfortunately likely.
The staffing varies - some CABs have specialist advisers trained in specific aspects - such as welfare benefits. These advisers can sometimes represent clients at tribunals or help them with Court appearances. Some CABs have links to local solicitors & an arrangement for them to provide limited free advice.
CABs never charge for their services but if the problem is one which they advise the client to see a professional such as an insolvency practitioner or accountant then the professional would charge. It is entirely up to the client whether to accept the advice.
If the problem is a simple one it should normally be possible for any CAB to deal with it, but if it is complex & likely to need ongoing case work it needs to be dealt it in the client's home area.
The staffing varies - some CABs have specialist advisers trained in specific aspects - such as welfare benefits. These advisers can sometimes represent clients at tribunals or help them with Court appearances. Some CABs have links to local solicitors & an arrangement for them to provide limited free advice.
CABs never charge for their services but if the problem is one which they advise the client to see a professional such as an insolvency practitioner or accountant then the professional would charge. It is entirely up to the client whether to accept the advice.
If the problem is a simple one it should normally be possible for any CAB to deal with it, but if it is complex & likely to need ongoing case work it needs to be dealt it in the client's home area.
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