GAIN : Glasgow's Advice and Information Network

Legal

GAIN Law Centres

GAIN Law Centres provide free legal assistance to people who might not have access to a lawyer. They specialise in social welfare and housing law, debt, employment, mental health, immigration, rights of victims, and discrimination law, as well as other areas.

Some of the areas that a GAIN Law Centre can help you with are:

Consumer Debts

Creditors will often threaten the use of either ‘Sheriff Officers’ or ‘Bailiffs’ when they want a debt paid. Often, these tactics are used in the hope that the debtor will be so scared that they will pay up immediately. It is best to seek the advice of a solicitor who can look into the circumstances around the debt, advise on liability and, where necessary, represent you at court.

Benefits

Have you had difficulty receiving the Housing Benefit that you are entitled to? Are you a parent with young children who has experienced difficulty with Tax Credits? Have you applied for Disability Living Allowance or Incapacity Benefit but been refused?

Employment

Employment laws can assist individuals by ensuring that they are treated fairly, without discrimination. Employees are currently protected from discrimination on the ground of sex, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation. An employee who believes his or her rights have been infringed can apply to an Employment Tribunal to have the matter resolved or to seek compensation.

Rent Arrears

People can fall into difficulty with their rent for many reasons. It is in your best interests to get advice about rent arrears as soon as possible. If your landlord has started to take legal action against you, you should speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. A solicitor will be able to help you and sometimes getting help at this point can avoid court action.

Mortgage Rights

Home owners too can get into difficulty with mortgage payments. There is now a right for homeowners to apply to the court and ask to repay the mortgage arrears at an amount considered by a Sheriff to be suitable. The Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act is open to all home owners but you will need the help of a solicitor

Court Summons

If you receive a Court Summons that means that someone you owe money to is taking legal action against you. You should speak to a GAIN Law Centre immediately.

Sequestration/ Bankruptcy

If you receive court papers for sequestration (also known as bankruptcy) you should speak to a GAIN Law Centre solicitor as soon as possible. This is especially important for home owners.