Where to go for advice

Where do you go for advice when you’ve got a problem?

on phone
Many of us ask our friends and family but never think of seeking professional advice - either because we don’t know what help is available, or because we think it’ll be too expensive. But the truth is that whatever your problem, you’ll often be able to find advice for free!
The trick is to knowing where to start.

Before seeking any advice it is a good idea to get some background information on the topic you’re interested in – go to advicenow.org.uk or look out for websites, newspaper articles, and TV or radio programmes. Professional advice will be always tailored to suit your particular situation, but having a grasp of the background information may still come in handy.

Who should I get advice from?

Always get advice from an independent agency. Only an independent advice agency can offer you impartial advice, and take up issues with any other company, individual or organisation on your behalf.

There are several types of independent agencies that offer advice, and it can be confusing knowing where to start. Some organisations offer a broad range of advice while others specialise in a particular subject, or area of law. The Community Legal Service regulates legal advice across the country, and their ‘Quality Mark’ indicates what kind of advice you can get from an organisation, and at what level.

Where can I get advice?

Solicitors firms are private companies who offer legal advice. Some firms specialise in particular areas of law, so check before you go that they can deal with your problem. In particular, immigration advice can only be given by specially registered firms, so always check first.

There are also law centres in many areas, where solicitors and advisers offer free or low cost advice and representation. Some law centres have particular areas of expertise, but if you need help with something they don’t cover, they will refer you to somewhere that does. You can find details of advice centres near you in the local phone book, or by using the Community Legal Advice directory (see box on below).

Most of us associate charities and voluntary organisations with practical help. But they can also be a fantastic source of both general and specialist advice. Shelter, for example, are experts in housing law and will help with all kinds of housing problems. Others like Age Concern can advise on a huge range of issues affecting the elderly, including benefits, wills, safety in the home and much more. Citizens Advice is the country’s largest advice giving charity. They provide advice on a wide range of subjects, and refer people to other organisations if necessary. There is a CAB in most towns - see the 'Links to other websites' for further details.

All local authorities have a duty to provide certain services, including advice. You can contact your local council for details of benefits advice, housing advice and Trading Standards.

There are statutory services set up by the government under an Act of Parliament to deal with specific issues. For example, there is a Race Equality Council in most areas, which can advise on issues around race and discrimination, or you can contact the Commission for Racial Equality. Similarly the Equal Opportunities Commission can advice you on issues of sex discrimination and the Disability Rights Commission can advise you on issues to do with disability and discrimination (see 'Links to other websites').

Private companies (like firms of Independent Financial Advisers) offer advice in specialist areas, and usually charge for their service (although not always).

So these are the main places you can access help and advice. It is worth bearing in mind that the organisation you go to could be local, regional or national. If you choose a local agency, call first to find out their opening hours and how to make an appointment. Many organisations also offer advice by telephone, fax, in writing, or even by e-mail or website. If your first language isn’t English, or if you use British Sign Language, many places offer interpretation and translation services too.

You can search for advice agencies near you using our post code locator in the right hand corner of this page.

How much will it cost?

Free advice is available from law centres, local authorities and other advice agencies, including charities.

Many solicitors firms and other private companies offer a free first interview (usually about 30 minutes – 1 hour). This can be useful if you need to know whether a case is worth pursuing - like whether to take someone to the small claims court or make a personal injury claim. Others have a fixed fee, (£75 for example) so that you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay before you start.

Legal help and legal representation *are often supported if you are on a low income. If you aren’t working, and don’t have any savings or capital then you may qualify for financial support towards your legal costs. Check with the organisation before you seek advice though!

“No Win, No Fee”* – This method of payment is usually used for personal injury claims and other cases involving damages. This means that your solicitors agree to waive your fees if you lose, but if you win, your solicitor’s fees are paid by the other side. In the UK the solicitors firm do not take a percentage of the money you are awarded if you win.

There is a scheme called criminal defence service funding to help you pay for legal help in criminal matters. For example if you are arrested, you will have access to a duty solicitor without having to pay.

Other advice services

Are you looking for advice on a specific issue? We can’t cover every area here but this will hopefully give you a taster of the help that’s out there!

Financial advice

For information on all aspects of finance and banking the FSA’s website is a good place to start (see 'Links to other websites').
For financial advice you need to speak to a qualified IFA (financial adviser), and this often involves a fee! Some advisers are tied to a particular company, while others are independent and can recommend any product. In either case, the Financial Services Authority regulates them. To find an IFA near you can call the IFA helpline on 0117 9711 177.

Debt advice

If you are in debt and need advice, then there’s plenty of free help. Citizens Advice and other local advice agencies help thousands of people in debt every year. Alternatively, National Debtline also offer free, confidential, independent debt advice – the number is 0808 808 4000 or they have an information pack you can download from their website. You could also consider seeing an insolvency practitioner, as many of them offer an initial free consultation and will be able to tell you about court proceedings like bankruptcy.

Health advice

For health advice, NHS Direct are an excellent source of help on pretty much anything – from finding an acupuncturist or a dentist, or getting medical advice from a nurse to finding out what inoculations you need! Call 0845 4647 or log onto their site.

Consumer advice

Got a problem with something you’ve bought, or experienced shoddy service from a trader? For consumer advice, Trading Standards are a good first port of call. They operate all over the country and frequently give advice over the phone. Alternatively the Office of Fair Trading and the Consumer Gateway both have helpful websites.

Employment advice

Despite improved legislation on things like working hours and dismissal, many people still suffer at the hands of their employer. So where do you go if you need advice on an employment problem? If you are a member of a trade union then they can often provide good advice and representation. Alternatively you can get help from an employment advice service or your local CAB.

So if you are worried about a problem, or need advice then please do look for help – it’s easier to find than you think!