Self-help guide for people attending court for rent or mortgage arrears

Paying bills stockWest Lothian Council has launched a self-help guide for people who are at risk of repossession or facing eviction from their home.

The West Lothian Court Advice Project is available to help anyone who, potentially, may face eviction as a result of non-payment of debts and is about to go to court. The Scottish Legal Aid Board funds the service and has confirmed its on-going support for West Lothian Court Advice Project, which is a joint partnership project between the Advice Shop and Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian, until 2018.

The aim of the self-help guide is to provide a better understanding of the Court process and how individuals can take early action to prevent court action, eviction and homelessness.

This advice project offers free and independent advice to people in West Lothian who are facing repossession or eviction due to mortgage or rent arrears.

The advisors can provide:

  • Advice about what to expect from the court process
  • Representation when you attend court
  • Help to negotiate with landlords and lenders
  • Advice and support to deal with debts
  • Income maximisation checks to ensure the customers is getting all of the benefits they are entitled to receive
  • West Lothian Advice Shop is encouraging anyone at risk of eviction from their tenancy because of rent arrears or at risk of losing their home because of mortgage arrears to get in touch as soon as possible.

    Executive councillor for social policy, Danny Logue, said: “West Lothian Advice Shop is available to help with a range of issues including debt management. We would urge anyone who is at risk of losing their home to contact the Advice Shop as a matter of urgency. The booklet is also available to help if you have reached the stage of attending Court.”

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