Free legal advice helps residents tackle long-delayed problems

Residents in six Latvian cities, including Jekabpils, can get a free initial legal consultation, giving some a push to address problems they have put off for a long time, LSM reported.

Jānis was one of four Jekabpils residents to consult sworn advocate Dzintra Zoldnere. He said he had accumulated several family-related legal issues and wanted to resolve them correctly. Another resident, Valentīna, said the free consultation gave her the impetus to take the first step, but did not disclose details of her case.

The consultations are part of a pilot project run by the Court Administration. Advice is also available remotely by phone, email or video call. Sworn advocate Jānis Jurkāns said the consultations help people understand where to start and where to seek further assistance, before a problem grows more serious.

Residents commonly ask about writing off debts through insolvency proceedings and family disputes, Jurkāns said. People often delay seeking legal help because of the cost. In some places, an initial consultation can cost more than 100 euros; sworn advocate Kristīne Ozola said her first consultation costs 80 euros. She added that, following a court ruling, a claimant may recover legal expenses from the defendant.