Although all the information here should help you find out more about legal issues, if you are in trouble or you have a legal problem which needs to be resolved you must get legal advice. There are a number of options open to you, which are all detailed here.

Citizens Advice Bureau

If you want free, confidential advice, get in touch with your local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find out how to contact them by visiting the Citizens Advice Scotland website.

Law Centres

Law centres are charities, and aim to help people in poverty and disadvantage by providing them with legal advice, particularly in areas such as discrimination, immigration and social housing and welfare law more generally – however, they do cover a wide variety of issues and are free at point of delivery.Voluntary Organisations

Some voluntary organisations give advice on legal issues in specific areas. A really good example of this is Shelter, and the Shelter Scotland website has loads of information about the legal issues around Housing. Shelter also has a helpline which you can call for advice about housing and homelessness –       0808 800 4444.

Solicitors & Advocates

Solicitors can give advice about any area of the law, as long as they have the necessary knowledge. You can get contact information for Solicitors from The Law Society of Scotland’s website. You can also get advice about using a solicitor, including information about fees from the Citizens Advice Bureau - Advice Guide website.

Advocates (also known as counsel) have had special training in representing people in court. They do not receive instructions from the person they are representing directly, but through a solicitor. You can find out more about advocates on The Faculty of Advocates website.