There are legal aid offices (also called legal counsel) in the United States. Legal aid organizations are non-profit organizations that provide free legal aid to people who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. While many legal aid centres only help people with very low incomes, some offices have more flexible income rules. In addition to asking friends and family for the name of a good lawyer or checking the phone book, you can find legal help online. Individual lawyers (also called lawyers) are experts in various areas of law. Some lawyers specialize in a particular area of law, such as commercial, civil, criminal or juvenile law. You need to determine what type of lawyer is right for your legal situation. Once you`ve found a lawyer, ask them about their experience, areas of expertise, and questions such as “How would you handle my case?” and “What do you charge for your services/what is your fee structure?” Everyone should have access to a lawyer to help them solve legal problems. National Disability Rights Network – Find legal advice by state for people with disabilities. Seniors Care Locator – Enter your postal code to find local offices for legal and senior care organizations. Many legal aid offices may be able to resolve other issues such as immigration, consumers and people with disabilities. Some legal aid centres focus on one area of law, such as disability law or housing law. Some legal aid offices receive funding from the government, which may limit the type of cases they can accept.
There are also many free legal services available online, but we highly recommend taking all online advice with a grain of salt. The law varies from state to state, and those who provide legal advice often have different opinions and may not even be allowed to enforce the law. That being said, here are some of the most popular websites: Looking for more information on this topic? Visit LawHelp.org and select your state to find more self-help resources and information about free, low-cost legal aid providers in your area. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – Find legal help for low-income individuals and families. LawHelp Interactive helps you fill out legal forms. Immigration Legal Services – Search your state for free legal service providers. for persons in immigration procedures. Information about the law or tools to solve simple legal problems. You can also ask your local bar association if they offer any of the following free services to people in need of legal assistance: Free legal answers – If you have a low income and qualify for the program, you can direct your civil law questions to the American Bar Association. Volunteer lawyers provide answers free of charge. They will not talk about criminal prosecution. The State Bar Association funds legal aid organizations throughout the state that provide legal services to low- and middle-income Californians.
These organizations focus on your issues, from custody and family law to disability rights and veterans` benefits. Whether your case involves personal injury law (e.g. car accident), criminal law, commercial law, family law, etc., it is best to always find a local lawyer who offers free consultations. Pro bono programs match low-income clients with pro bono lawyers who agree to take on their cases free of charge. If you have a civil law problem but can`t afford to hire a private lawyer, you can still access the legal system through your local legal advice and legal aid organization, which provides free or low-cost legal services to low-income people. Information on many of these local services can be found online at the websites listed below. Upsolve – Find free legal help to declare bankruptcy. Keep in mind that Chapter 7 bankruptcy information remains on your credit file for 10 years.
This can make it difficult to get loans, buy a home, get life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy and other options for dealing with debt. Free pro bono legal aid – Find free or low-income legal aid. Armed Forces Legal Assistance – Find nearby military facilities with legal aid offices. LawHelp.org – Find free legal aid programs in your community. Here you will find information about your legal rights by topic, e.g. housing, divorce, family allowances and debt collection. We have found that people are often afraid of lawyers and what they charge for their services.
There is a misconception about how much you have to pay for legal services from a law firm. In fact, there is so much misinformation that most people don`t realize that in many cases it is possible to get free and inexpensive legal aid. If you can`t afford a lawyer, legal aid can help: Retirement Entitlement Centre – Get free legal help for problems related to your pension, profit-sharing or retirement savings. Federally funded legal aid firms provide lawyers who are experts in helping low-income people with legal problems. This guide has been prepared for general information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice. Legal advice depends on the particular circumstances of each situation. In addition, the law may vary from state to state. Some information in this guide may not be correct for your condition. To find local resources, visit LawHelp.org and select your state. Legal Assistance for Veterans – Find free legal clinics and other resources from the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs. To find a legal aid office near you: Go to www. LawHelp.org and choose the state you live in to find out who in your state can help you solve your legal problem. I do not have legal immigration status. Can legal aid help me? Each legal aid agency has its own rules about who is eligible for its services. However, if you are a victim of violent crime or domestic violence, legal aid can certainly help protect you from domestic violence or abuse, even if you do not have legal immigration status. If you are a victim of domestic violence, legal aid can also apply for immigration on your behalf. Some legal aid organizations specialize in a wide range of immigration law issues.
Go to www. LawHelp.org information on the rules applicable to legal aid offices in your area. Are there cases where legal aid is not being addressed? Legal aid in civil matters does not deal with cases of pecuniary damage, such as medical malpractice, car accidents or traffic offences or criminal cases. (For the difference between civil and criminal cases, see The differences between the criminal court and the civil court). What can I expect from a lawyer? Legal aid lawyers have the same qualifications as other lawyers. Everything you tell your lawyer is confidential, which means it will not be shared with anyone outside the legal aid office. Since everything you tell your lawyer is confidential, tell them the truth. Your lawyer can help you better if you tell him the truth. I am not eligible for legal aid, who can I go to for help? For tips on how to find the right lawyer, questions to ask when hiring a lawyer, and how to avoid fraud, check out our free legal information. The California courts website also has online resources that can help you find help. Legal assistance to military personnel, veterans and their families. To read all the guides in this series, visit lawhelpny.org or LawHelp.org.
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