Social Care & Health

In Court Advice Service

People attending court for certain types of cases will be able to get practical help from an In Court Adviser based in the court building itself. The In Court Adviser is employed by East Ayrshire Council.

This page explains the kind of cases for which help is available, what kind of help can be given and where you can find the Advisor

What can the In Court Advisor Do ?

The Sheriff Clerk's staff in the civil department in the court can give you help with filling in small claims and summary cause forms but they cannot give you legal advice.

The In Court Advisor can:

¨ give you general advice about the law relating to your case and help you prepare for your court appearance.

¨ help with preparing Time to Pay Directions and Time to Pay Orders.

¨ Advise on benefit entitlement, in particular Housing Benefit.

¨ if you have a court hearing that day, give you as much help as possible to make sure you give the Sheriff relevant information.

¨ refer you to an appropriate agency for further assistance

Can I get help from the In Court Advisor?

The In Court Advisor is there to offer advice and assistance to people involved in civil cases who do not already have a solicitor or someone else representing them. The type of cases you can get help with include:

Small Claims-cases for amounts up to £3000

Summary Cause-cases for amount between £3000 and £5000

Housing Cases- repossession or eviction cases .

Debt/Consumer/Benefit issues

Where will I find the In Court Advisor ?

The In Court Advice Service office is on the ground floor of the main Sheriff Court building, directly across from the Sheriff Clerk's office. The Advisor will be in the court building every day and in court on Friday when the civil court is sitting.

Please just knock the door and make yourself known - if there are others waiting please take a seat outside.

The Advisor will attempt to see everyone whose case calls that day but this may be difficult as most cases call at 10.00 a.m.

It is therefore better to seek advice prior to your calling date. If you would prefer to make an appointment please phone the number on the contact page and this can be arranged.

What will I need to bring ?

It is important to bring along all paperwork relating to your case, such as :

¨ Court summons

¨ Rent payment records

¨ Contract documents

¨ Proof of payment, receipts, etc

¨ Credit agreements / HP agreements

¨ Benefit Award / Decision Letters

Contact -

Tel: 01563 549367 Fax: 01563 549341

Email: Christine.Hamilton@east-ayrshire.gov.uk