When you are in need of free legal assistance, it is important to quickly assess your options and find a provider of legal aid near you. Legal aid organizations exist to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals.
These organizations can assist in matters involving domestic violence, dissolution of marriage, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant relations, education matters, and criminal defense. Finding a legal aid provider is very simple if you know which websites to consult. Use these steps to quickly and effortlessly find an offering near you.
Searching Function the Legal Services Corporation Website
You should be aware that Legal Services Corporation is the leading funder of legal aid organizations. This corporation provides the grants that sustain programs legal aid service programs nationwide. On their website, you can search using a map for a legal aid service organization that is located near you. After you learn about the legal aid branches in your area, you should still perform your own research on regarding each branch. Not every legal aid organization offers the same legal services for low-income individuals.
Use ABA Resources to Find Legal Assistance
The American Bar Association (ABA) also has several search functions available to those who require free legal assistance. You can find pro bono lawyers who are registered with legal aid service organizations by using the ABA resources. Pro bono lawyers offer their services voluntarily without payment. The Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants regularly produces publications that can serve as a resource for low-income individuals who require legal help.
Understand the Legal Services You Require
As you consider legal aid organizations, you should think about the legal services that you need. An organizations associated website will usually list all of the programs that are available for low-income individuals. You should make sure that your branch or selected institution offers the services that you require. Otherwise, you may need to contact the office to try to find a private attorney who can handle your case on a pro bono basis.
Contacting a Local Legal Aid Branch
Calling a legal aid organization is the best way to determine whether you can take advantage of its associated services. You can speak with a professional to determine whether you qualify for services or can take advantage of programs offered by the firm or clinic.
Refer to State Bar Associations
State bar associations also maintain directories of attorneys who can provide low-cost or pro bono legal services to low-income individuals. You may want to talk with a lawyer from a local bar chapter to learn more about legal aid organizational offerings near you. A lawyer may know about organizations that are tailored to handle your legal issues or other service organizations in the state that can assist you.
By following these steps, you can easily find the free legal help that you need. You should not hesitate to speak with a legal aid lawyer if you are dealing with difficult legal issues. You may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim or resolve the legal issue.
