Frequently asked questions

We confirm whether we can assist with your matter, which service applies, and the fee. Response times depend on case complexity and documents submitted. The free assessment does not include legal guidance or advice — active work on your matter begins only after payment of the applicable service fee.

Private parking appeals: operators typically respond within 14–35 days. Council PCNs (formal representations): up to 56 days. Orders for recovery: 2–6 weeks. CCJ set-aside: court timelines vary, typically 4–12 weeks. We give you a specific timeline when we assess your case.

No. We are not solicitors or barristers. We are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or Bar Standards Board. We provide permitted legal support services under the Legal Services Act 2007 — this means we can lawfully advise on your rights, draft documents, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you at tribunals. We cannot file documents with a court on your behalf, appear as advocates in court, or perform any of the six reserved legal activities.

Some matters require a solicitor — particularly court filing, CCJ set-aside hearings, and formal court representation. We prepare your case (assessment, drafting, evidence bundle) and refer you to a partnered solicitor. Their fees are determined by them at that stage and are separate from our service fee. We always tell you before this becomes necessary.

If we cannot get your parking charge notice or penalty charge notice cancelled, we refund your service fee. Exclusions apply: you already appealed before contacting us, you paid the PCN during the process, the matter escalated to county court, or you did not allow us to complete the process. Full terms in our Terms & Conditions.

We treat everything you share with us as confidential. However, because we are not solicitors, communications with us are not protected by legal professional privilege. This means information you share could in principle be compelled for disclosure in legal proceedings. We recommend considering this before sharing highly sensitive information.

Yes — Employment Tribunals, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, the Social Security Tribunal (First-tier), and London Tribunals all expressly permit non-lawyer representatives. We can attend, present your case, and advocate on your behalf at these tribunals.

Yes. Benefits advice, mandatory reconsideration requests, and First-tier Tribunal representation are all permitted activities. We help with Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, and other DWP decisions.

Yes. Drafting complaint letters, advising on Consumer Rights Act 2015, negotiating with traders, and submitting ombudsman complaints are all permitted activities.

We can provide McKenzie Friend support — sitting with you in court, helping organise documents, taking notes, and quietly advising. You remain the litigant in person. We cannot file applications with the court or address the judge unless they grant us permission in that specific case.

We advise on tenant rights, negotiate with landlords, draft tenancy agreements, submit Housing Ombudsman complaints, and support deposit disputes through ADR schemes. If the matter reaches county court litigation, we prepare your case and refer to a solicitor for filing.

Generally no — not on a first visit. Enforcement agents can only use reasonable force to gain entry if they have previously gained peaceful entry or have a specific warrant. For most civil debts, they cannot force entry at all. We challenge unlawful enforcement action and negotiate on your behalf.