Further resources

Information for the public

Below are essential links which will help you to find information on a range of topics:

• If you are looking for Information and Advice in your local areas, please visit Shelter services directory - http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/getadvice/advice_services_directory

• Scottish Legal Aid Boards find a solicitor tool provides links to practitioners in your local area http://www.multimap.com/share/slab/

• The Citizen’s Advice Scotland website provides information on benefits in Scotland http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/your_money/benefits.htm

Shelter Scotland’s online checkers provide information on Legal Aid, Mortgages and Budgets

Information for Lay Advisers

When thinking about the different types of representation available to your client it is important to carefully consider a number of issues:

• Complexity/stage of the case.

• The different types of cost associated with legal aid/solicitor/lay representation

• Court costs

• Your client may be trying to decide if they want to receive help from an approved lay adviser or from a solicitor.

For more information please visit the Advisers guide http://www.keepingyourhome.co.uk/advisers_guide/

You can see if your client is financially eligible for legal aid by using the Scottish Legal Aid Board's online calculators:

• If your client is considering getting advice from a solicitor you can check their eligibility for Advice and assistance http://www.slab.org.uk/calculator2010/advice_assistance/index.html 

• If your client is facing repossession proceedings in court and requires representation, you can assess their eligibility for civil legal aid http://www.slab.org.uk/calculator2010/civil/index.htm Alternatively call the Scottish Legal Aid Helpline on 0845 122 8686

Scottish Legal Aid Boards find a solicitor tool provides links to practitioners in your local area http://www.multimap.com/share/slab