Getting legal help

If you are having trouble claiming the right benefits, are having difficulties with your landlord, or you're simply finding it challenging to manage your affairs (or the affairs of someone you look after), you may need expert legal advice to resolve these issues. Knowing where to find legal advice will help take the pressure off you.

Who can help?

• Advice Now has information for anyone needing advice on many subjects, ranging 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 their Advice Line on 03444 111 444 or go to the website to find your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Age UK may be able to help you, whether you are an older person or caring for one. The charity provides information, publishes factsheets and has local groups around the country. Call the Age UK information line on 0800 169 6565.
• Check if you can get free legal aid at GOV.UK.

Finding solicitors

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 Civil Legal Advice for free and confidential legal advice in England and Wales if you're eligible for legal aid.

National carers' organisations

Call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 for confidential advice about your caring role. The advisers don't give legal advice, but they can put you in touch with local or national organisations that do provide this service.

Lines are open 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm at weekends (closed bank holidays). 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 2pm to 4pm, and can be contacted on 0808 808 7777. Advice is free and can be given on a range of relevant topics, including where to go for legal help.