Direct Gov – Online Advice
Comprehensive government website with information and advice.
Managing Debt
www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/index.htm
Managing Debts and Arrears
www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/DebtsAndArrears/DG_10013261
Government website with information on Divorce, Family issues and the Law
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/FamilyIssuesAndTheLaw/DG_4002976
Find a solicitor or advice agency
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017581
Wills and Probate
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/Preparation/index.htm
Pensions and Retirement Planning
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/index.htm
General information for those unfamiliar with adoption and the adoption process
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/AdoptionAndFostering/index.htm
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/index.htm
Community Legal Advice
Helpline: 0845 345 4 345 (Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 12.30 pm)
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
Community Legal Advice (CLA) is a free and confidential advice service in England and Wales paid for by legal aid. If you are living on a low income or benefits, you may be eligible for free specialist advice from legal advisers on issues including: benefits and tax credits; debt, education; housing; employment; and family problems. The advice is independent and confidential. Community Legal Advice will ask you questions about your problem and find out what help you need. You will be asked a number of questions about your finances to see if you are eligible for legal aid. Community Legal Advice has a free translation service available in 170 languages.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/law_e/law_legal_system_e/law_taking_legal_action_e/help_with_legal_costs.htm - Help with legal costs
Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaux, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice.
Law Centres
www.lawcentres.org.uk
Law Centres specialise in social welfare law which includes: welfare rights; disability rights; immigration and asylum; housing and homelessness; employment rights; community care; and all forms of discrimination. Other areas of work vary according to local need and may include public law, mental health, education rights and young people and children’s rights.
CCCS (Consumer Credit Counselling Service)
Free Helpline: 0800 138 1111
www.cccs.co.uk
Charity dedicated to providing confidential, free counselling and money management assistance to financially distressed families and individuals.
National Debtline
Fee Helpline: 0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
Rights of Women
Advice line: 020 7251 6577 (Open Tuesday–Thursday 2–4pm and 7-9pm, and Friday 12–2pm.)
Sexual violence legal advice line: 020 7251 8887 (Open Monday 11-1pm and Tuesday 10-12pm.)
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Founded in 1975, we offer free confidential legal advice to women on our advice line. We offer specialist advice in family law, divorce and relationship breakdown, children and contact issues, domestic violence, sexual violence, discrimination and lesbian parenting. We empower women to access their legal rights.
Shelter
Offer free confidential expert advice via their website, Housing Aid Centres, helpline and e-mail services.
Homeowner Helpline: 0808 800 4444
www.england.shelter.org.uk
Web link for housing and mortgage arrears problems: http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-4176.cfm
Web link for repossession: england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/repossession