A legal aid service is a general type of law offering provided to people who cannot otherwise afford legal representation and its associated costs.
Specific lawyers or legal clinics that provide these services are typically dedicated to serving the public interest and are generally not-for-profit. Individuals do not need to pay any fees to take advantage of legal aid services offered by these parties. Individuals do need to complete an intake process and have an income below a certain threshold to qualify for the offerings, however. Here are some of the common legal aid services offered by participating lawyers, firms, or other legal organizations:
Foreclosure Defense Services
If homeowners are at risk for having their homes foreclosed, then they may meet with a lawyer offering legal aid help focused specifically on housing and eviction practice. The lawyer may be able to negotiate a modification of the loan or reduce the monthly payments owed on the mortgage. The lawyer can also try to file certain documents with the court to halt the foreclosure. Representation of the defendant throughout the entire judicial foreclosure proceedings is at no cost.
Eviction Proceedings
Similar to the above foreclosure entry, attorneys with a housing practice specialty are also able to represent victims who are being evicted from their property. The attorneys can try to negotiate other alternatives with the landlord. The attorneys may also use their knowledge of the law to prevent coercive or other unlawful evictions.
Free Tax Assistance for Low-Income Individuals
Individuals who have a low income may benefit from the free tax assistance offered by legal aid providers at a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). Legal aid attorneys may be able to file income taxes at no cost. They can also represent individuals with low income during audit proceedings for free. Low-income individuals who are being audited by the IRS can receive the help they need from lawyers who specialize in low-income taxpayer proceedings.
Bankruptcy Advice and Help
Legal aid service attorneys may also be able to help a person file for bankruptcy. Those who are overwhelmed by credit card debt or other financial situation can speak with a lawyer specializing in personal bankruptcy for help. The attorney may be able to initiate a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing at no cost.
Domestic Violence Assistance and Dissolution of Marriage
Those who are in physically abusive relationships can also receive help from legal aid service lawyers. An attorney specializing in family or domestic violence practice can try to obtain a restraining order to prevent further contact with an abusive spouse or another individual. The attorney can also initiate dissolution of marriage proceedings to end abusive relationships on behalf of the victim.
Social Security Benefits
Legal aid attorneys specializing in government benefits practice can offer assistance to elderly people and disabled individuals in securing Social Security benefits. If your claim for benefits has been denied, an attorney may be able to file an appeal of the claim.
These are some of the common services that legal aid representatives provide. They can provide individuals with the legal advice that is required in times of great need. They can also proceed in taking the appropriate legal action in representing the best interests of clients. Each state has a specified legal help office dedicated to providing information about all services offered as well as contact information for various organizations. Individuals should always check the website of a local legal aid service organization to determine the exact services offered.
