CITIZENS ADVICE

Justice Advice Project

Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole

The Justice Advice Project is a specialist project within Citizens Advice BCP which supports litigants in person who are facing civil and family county court case.

The Justice Advice Project (JA) is based at Bournemouth County Court and can support people who either live in or have a case in Dorset. It works to support people who have civil or family County Court cases and no legal representation. 

We provide non-legal, practical and procedural support – via telephone or in person - with the aim of informing and empowering clients to represent themselves as best as they can. Clients can access our service as many times as they need, and it is always free of charge.  

Our staff and volunteers can help clients complete court application forms, write statements, organise their paperwork and explain and answer questions about court processes. Our team are also able to provide emotional support and informal note taking during hearings listed in Bournemouth County Court. 

Some of the most common issues we support with are:

• access to children

• non-molestation and occupation orders

• divorce

• transfer of tenancy

• money claims

• possession proceedings.  

We receive referrals from many different sources. Some people find out about us when they attend court, some are referred by local charities or organisations, while others are referred by mediators. We also receive referrals from local solicitors, either if their client needs support with a form and has limited funds which could be better utilised, or when their client is no longer able to afford representation but needs further support.

 The Justice Advice Project is unable to offer any legal advice, representation or casework and we will always recommend clients seek legal advice where possible. Our clients remain responsible for their case and their deadlines throughout.  

Clients can contact the project for support either by filling out our online form: 

citizensadvicebcp.org.uk/projects/justice-advice-project 

Or calling our project phoneline: 01202 081733 (please advise people to leave a message for a callback).

The Project is managed by Amy Metters. Amy previously ran the Bournemouth branch of Support Through Court (formerly PSU). In 2020 Support Through Court underwent a national restructuring and closed some of their offices, including the Bournemouth branch. Following successful conversations, Citizens Advice BCP agreed to take the service and the existing team on in order to be able to keep the vital work going. 

For any queries from BDLS members, Amy can be contacted at: amy.metters@citizensadvicebcp.org.uk