What Is Free Legal Aid
Access to the legal system is a fundamental right for every individual. While there are numerous ways to obtain legal counsel, not everyone can afford the high costs of hiring a private attorney. Fortunately, there is a safety net in the legal system designed to help those who find themselves in this unfortunate situation. This safety net is known as free legal aid, a program provided by the state and local governments which grants free legal representation to individuals who meet certain requirements. Since not everyone seeking legal aid is guaranteed acceptance into the program, eligibility requirements have been established to weed out individuals not in dire need of assistance. Requirement criteria typically includes: Financial Situation: A person seeking free legal aid must prove that he or she is unable to afford the costs of legal fees. In the past, this meant that a person’s net worth was less than $10,000. However, that figure has been updated to an amount higher than $10,000 to account for inflation. Legal Issue: In determining whether an individual is eligible for legal aid , it is important that the legal issue in question falls under the categories covered by free legal aid. While this may seem arbitrary, it is necessary because a person seeking assistance with a criminal case will not receive help from a family law attorney working at a legal aid office. The attorneys on staff may have limited legal experience, and they are therefore not able to assist in every legal situation. Evaluations of applications are done in-house, and only those deemed eligible will be offered assistance with their legal matter. Married couples are sometimes subject to their finances being averaged to determine whether or not their combined income qualifies them for the program. Simply because one spouse has a higher income than another does not necessarily disqualify the other spouse if his or her income alone would qualify them for free legal aid. In Springfield, MA, like most other cities, there is no shortage of legal issues plaguing the community. With that many people in need of help but few able to afford a private lawyer properly, free legal aid provides hope for those seeking assistance with civil and family issues.
Who Qualifies for Free Legal Aid in Springfield
Determining eligibility for receiving free legal assistance in Springfield, MA is the first step in the process. The process is managed by both the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Greater Boston Legal Services advocates at the local level. They evaluate the application and determine whether or not the person requesting aid meets their criteria. The standards for eligibility change regularly, but applicants must have limited incomes. For example, a single person must make less than $80 in gross monthly income. If a family of four is applying for assistance, they must have a gross income of $280 per month or less to qualify. Due to the drastic income requirements, many applicants are turned away each day. Factors considered in the qualification process may include: Legal aid organizations in Springfield do not ask about or consider race, ethnicity, skin color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, marital status, disability or sexual orientation when reviewing an application for eligibility. The organizations are also required to offer face-to-face interviews to those who are hearing lamed or deaf.
Cases Free Legal Aid Covers
In Springfield, free legal aid is typically available for a wide range of cases and issues. Many of these are family law-related, including divorce cases, child custody agreements, and child support disputes. Of course, the very notion of "family" can extend beyond spouses and blood-related children. Legal aid is also available for similar issues involving unmarried couples and stepfamilies.
Other relational matters that legal aid is generally used for include guardianship and conservatorship cases, as well as abuse and neglect situations. For other types of abuse, including domestic violence, legal aid assistance is often provided for obtaining protection orders. In these cases, a restraining order may be granted on an emergency or ex parte basis to help prevent further threats or acts of violence.
Some issues related to child neglect and abuse may not be family in nature per se but dealt with in juvenile court. Again here, legal aid can often be provided, such if the state or another entity seizes children from parents due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Situations involving children who are abandoned or those receiving special education or other essential services through school may also be handled through juvenile court by way of legal aid.
Many elder abuse cases are typically handled by way of legal aid, as well as certain personal injury matters. Free legal aid is often available in situations where a person has suffered injuries following nursing home care or financial abuse from a guardian. Employment law cases involving wrongful termination, especially among seniors, may also be handled through legal aid.
How to Get Free Legal Aid
To apply for free legal aid in the Greater Springfield area, one can reach out to the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, which provides referrals for a myriad of free legal services in Hampden County, Hampshire County, and Franklin County. The organization operates a phone line (1-800-342-5297) seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people to call toll-free from anywhere in Massachusetts to receive information on legal support.
In circumstances where a phone call is not possible, individuals can also apply for legal aid through an online application form or by visiting a Community Legal Aid office, provided you have internet access. If you do not have internet access, we recommend that you reach out to your local library or a relative/friend to assist.
The next step involves staff at legal aid offices reviewing all applications and conducting interviews with qualified individuals, as necessary. During this time, applicants can explain their legal issues in-depth with organization staff members. This can be a great opportunity to ask them questions about your public benefits or other legal matters.
It can take staff at a legal aid office anywhere between four to 10 business days to respond to an application. Approval or denial emails will be sent from the Malden, Massachusetts office at Pro Bono Legal Services.
Once approved, enlist the help of an attorney who offers pro bono legal services (legal help that is either entirely free or offered at a significantly reduced rate) in Hampshire or Hampshire County. As the demand for legal aid is high, they are always looking to attract top-notch law school students in the state and have even clued in many outside Massachusetts. So while there is certainly the possibility that you’ll get the legal support you need for free, we urge you to start the application process as soon as possible.
Local Free Legal Aid Organizations
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
This nonprofit organization focuses on increasing economic and racial justice statewide, and uses educational, legal aid, and advocacy methods to accomplish this. The organization aims to improve the lives of struggling people across Massachusetts through training, resource development, and relationship building.
Address: 99 Chauncy Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-357-8500
Website: mlri.org
Email: [email protected]
Community Legal Aid, Inc.
A member of the United Neighborhood Houses of New York, this nonprofit organization is the largest provider of free legal aid in Central and Western Massachusetts. A volunteer program and pro bono program also give them the means to provide legal services to low-income clients.
Address: 405 Main Street, Suite 300, Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-752-3718
Website: communitylegal.org
Email: claoffice@communitylegal . org
Center for Law & Education
Working with the Child Advocate’s Office, this organization works with families, schools, and public agencies to help ensure that children have access to a high-quality education. Their projects include the Higher Education Project, International Human Rights and Education Project, Law and Community Engagement, and Statewide Education Access Project.
Address: 100 Washington Street, Suite 203, Boston, MA 02135
Phone: 617-390-2600
Website: cleweb.org
Email: [email protected]
Boston Bar Association
The Boston Bar Association offers services through the Lawyer Referral Service, which matches clients with a lawyer who will meet with them for a free half-hour consultation. They also publish a directory of free legal aid resources.
Address: 16 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-742-0625
Website: bostonbar.org
Email: [email protected]
Pros and Cons of Free Legal Aid
While the benefits of utilizing free legal aid services in Springfield, MA, are plenty, it’s also important to be aware of potential limitations. Here are some of the key benefits and limitations to consider if you’re thinking about applying for free legal services in Springfield:
No application fees
The most obvious benefit to utilizing free legal aid services is the lack of fees associated with the application process itself. You’ll be able to apply for assistance with capital crime legal services and civil legal services without putting any of your money up front. While you may need to provide some financial information to help judges and private attorneys determine your level of need, you should never have to pay to get your application in the first place.
Help with housing issues
If you need legal assistance with an eviction or other housing issue, there are resources out there that can help. Being denied a renewal of your lease, an increase in rent or experiencing other discrimination related to housing are all major issues that can result in serious financial and emotional distress.
Help with disability and health care issues
Access to legal services can be an important factor in overcoming disability and health care obstacles. People with disabilities and those who suffer from medical problems are vulnerable to being denied health care services, which can lead to further exacerbation of their conditions. These specials laws are put in place to protect people with disabilities and others who are receiving health care, and access to free legal services gives these individuals a better chance at protecting their rights.
Potential limitations
While free legal services can be a great resource, it’s important to know that there are certain limitations to the services provided. Here are just a few of the major limitations you should know:
Application criteria
The primary limitation when it comes to legal aid applications is actually gaining access to apply. There are certain criteria that must be met in order for you to be successful in your application. If you don’t meet the requirements, you could be denied, or may just be left waiting for a long time to hear back.
Getting in touch with an attorney
Even if you are approved for free legal aid services, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get exactly what you need. There’s a major volunteer shortage, so it may take a while to hear back from an attorney with an available schedule. That said, once you get in touch, it’s likely you’ll be able to receive assistance with your legal issue.
Free Legal Aid Testimonials
While numerous organizations in Springfield, MA offer free legal aid, hearing success stories and testimonials from those who have benefited from legal assistance help provide real-world examples of the impact of these services. A resident of Springfield, Tom D. recalls "That grandparent scam letter I received was scary. I’m 82 and I get confused by the computer and the internet. I submitted my complaint through the AG’S online process and they got back to me really quickly with useful advice and with steps I could take to avoid those kinds of letters. I think they do great work." Maria G. is a local resident with a complaint who also found success with the AG’S office, "When my landlord texted me with a rent increase, I wasn’t sure what to do. I just sent an online complaint to the Attorney General’s office and a few days later I heard back from them . It was such a relief to know that I had options, and some new information about tenant’s rights." The online complaint process at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office is an easy and effective way to access free legal assistance. While there are no specific testimonials or stories available, the office handles thousands of civil rights inquiries every year and clarifies and empowers citizens regarding their rights and options under the law. The Berkshire Center for Justice also provides innovative support for those who need legal assistance to even the most difficult of cases. Attempting to obtain a restraining order? BWJ can help. Have a child custody dispute? Call them. Even if you need to file a federal lawsuit, the Berkshire Center for Justice will work with you to help guide you through the legal process with advice and short-term representation.