Help for you

Looking after someone can potentially lead to a host of legal issues that you may need to sort out. If the person you're looking after is having trouble claiming the right benefits, is having difficulties with their landlord or simply finds it hard to manage their affairs, you may find yourself having to spend time trying to sort these problems out. You may have difficulties of your own related to your caring role, such as financial or work problems.

It can be daunting if you or the person you're looking after have problems that need expert, legal advice to solve. Knowing where to find legal advice will help to take the pressure off you.

Who can help?

Advice Now is a simple, easy-to-understand website. It has information for anyone needing advice, on many subjects from benefits to the police. It has useful information on sources of legal advice, and most of it is free.

The Citizens Advice Bureau gives free advice on legal and other problems from more than 3,000 locations in England and Wales and over the phone. Call 020 7833 2188 or go to the website to find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.

If you're caring for an older person, Age UK may be able to help. The charity provides information, publishes factsheets and has local groups around the country. Call the Age UK information line 0800 169 6565.

Finding solicitors

Community Legal Advice provides a free service to people who need help with their legal problems. Call 0845 345 4345 or visit its website to find contact details for local advice centres and solicitors. You can also get free initial advice from a qualified legal adviser, and download free information leaflets.

Law Centres give free specialist advice and help with legal cases. Visit The Law Centres Federation (LCF) website to find a Law Centre in your area. If there isn’t a Law Centre in your area, contact Community Legal Advice.

National carers’ organisations

Call the free Carers Direct helpline on 0808 802 0202, for confidential advice about your caring role. The advisors don’t give legal advice, they can put you in touch with local or national organisations who do provide this service. Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 4pm at weekends. You can ask for a free call back, or email your enquiry.

The Carers UK telephone helpline, CarersLine, is open on Wednesday and Thursday every week, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm on 0808 808 7777. Advice is free and can be given on a range of relevant topics, including where to go for legal help.