Debt and Small Claims Advice Font size The Law Centre provides free legal advice for Camden residents on debt and small claims procedures. Debt Casework We now have a full-time debt adviser and caseworker. The debt caseworker can advise Camden residents who are on a low income. Initial appointment sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 11am to 1.30pm. IMPORTANT! When visiting the Law Centre for advice, please remember to bring with you any relevant documents and letters, and you and your partner's evidence of income. More info Evening Advice Sessions Evening advice sessions are held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings by appointment only, staffed by volunteer solicitors. This service includes advice and assistance with drafting letters and completing forms, no casework in undertaken. Areas of work At evening session appointments you can get advice on the following type of problem: Debt Bankruptcy Small Claims procedures The daytime caseworker can assist in all aspects of debt management, from rent, council tax, mortgage, fuel, catalogue, credit card and other such arrears to advising on bankruptcy. This will include: Ascertaining liability to the debts Maximising income through benefit checks Making grant applications where appropriate Advising and negotiating on current benefit claims, including overpayments and challenging unfair decisions. Requesting backdating, reinstatement, write offs Drawing up a realistic budget and financial statement Negotiating first with priority creditors/bailiffs and acceptable repayment rate Negotiating with non-priority creditors/debt collecting agencies/bailiffs We do preventative work after repayments have been set up to ensure that repayment schedule can be kept to and bank accounts do not attract further bank charges when standing orders/debit transaction cannot be acted on. Areas of work specifically excluded: Parking fines - though advice is given as to how best to deal with them. Business debts How we work We are a free service. Where you are eligible for assistance under the Community Legal Service we will help you complete the necessary forms. If we take your case on we will be acting on your behalf, with your instructions, in the same way as private solicitors. Our work is governed by Law Society rules. Confidentiality NO information is disclosed to anyone, nor any steps taken, without your permission. Home visits: We provide home visits for housebound clients who cannot visit the Law Centre. Language Law Centre staff speak a number of languages. We can normally arrange for an interpreter or signer where necessary (this requires notice). Equal opportunities The Law Centre is an equal opportunities organisation. We aim to ensure that we do not discriminate in the provision of our services. The Law Centre will not accept oppressive behaviour towards clients, members of staff or management. Complaints We try to provide the highest possible standard of service. Complaints by our services users about any aspect of our services will be investigated and should be directed to the Chair of the Management Committee of the Law Centre.