Where to Find Free Legal Services and Advice

lifh 39 Comments Personal Finance

If you are in need of legal advice or representation for any type of financial issue, it is important to realize that there is free help available if you are unable to afford these services on your own. No matter what state you live in, there organizations and governmental agents available who can look at your information and help you determine what your options are. These services are provided by professional and experienced attorneys that can go to court with you if necessary.

What Types of Free Legal Services Is Available?
Below is a look at just some of the legal services that may be available to you free of charge.

  • Foreclosures / Evictions. Many of these organizations help low-to-moderate income homeowners who are facing foreclosure, either avoid foreclosure by modifying their loan or help them through the foreclosure process. They can also help renters who are facing eviction by mediating any type of landlord-tenant dispute or providing legal assistance for those tenants whose landlord is facing foreclosure.
  •  Income Issues. These organizations and agencies may be able to provide professional legal assistance for those who are fighting to receive employment income or benefits they believe they deserve. This can include obtaining unemployment compensation benefits, worker’s compensation support, public assistant benefits, rental assistant benefits, and/or social security benefits.
  •  Utility Disputes. Thousands of residents across the country face possible utility shut-offs every year. This includes gas, water / sewer, and electric shutoffs. Some of these terminations of services are illegal and the utility companies can be forced to turn them back on. These organizations can work with people who have either received an unlawful shut-off notice or whose utilities have already been shut-off.
  •  Bankruptcy Issues. Many of these free services include assistance to help people avoid filing for bankruptcy. They will work directly with the client’s creditors, lenders, and bill collectors to try to work out a reasonable payment plan that they can afford. When all other options have been explores, the attorneys can help clients work through the bankruptcy process.
  •  Consumer Protection Rights. Both the organizations and governmental agencies can help people who have been treated unfairly, or scammed, by banks, lenders, and businesses. This typically involves seniors who lost money due to a scam or not understanding the terms of the agreements. They can help seniors fight to get their money returned to them or help them end a costly contract.
  •  Military Issues. If active or veteran military personnel have been denied for special benefits they feel they have the right to, such as housing and disability benefits these organizations can help. They will work hard to make sure these servicemen and women get the services they need and deserve.

 
Where to Find Free Legal Services
There are several organizations throughout the country where people can turn for free legal advice and services. Below is a look at the top organizations and agencies in the country.

  • Legal Services Corporation. This organization was formed by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) to provide free legal services to low or moderate-income individuals across the country. They provide an array of services, including assistant with foreclosures, evictions, utility shutoffs, termination or rejection of benefits or services, and consumer scams and fraud issues.
  •  My Legal Aide. My Legal Aide offers legal advice and supportive service from experienced attorney to help individuals and families with bankruptcy and debt consolidation.
  •  Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office is designed to protect the rights of individuals throughout the country. They handle cases where crimes, such as fraud or unfair consumer practices, have taken place. Your best place to start is by contacting your specific state’s Attorney General’s Office and explain the situation to see if they can help.
  •  Federal Trade Commission. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was created to help protect consumers against unfair business practices and/or scams. They investigate cases and work to get people their money back or end illegal contracts. If you believe you have been unfairly treated as a consumer or you have been scammed by a business, you should start by filing a complaint with the FTC. They will get in touch with you to discuss your case further and provide the legal support you need.
  •  American Bar Association. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not provide free legal services, but they do provide a listing of attorneys across the country that offer some type of pro bono, or free, legal representation. You can use the ABA website to find a free attorney in your area.

Legal services are available should you find yourself in need. Don’t be overwhelmed by your financial matters. Use one of the agencies above to get help. Legal representation shouldn’t just be an option for those more fortunate than others. Everyone deserves it.
 

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