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Income
Whether free legal services may be available to
you will first depend on your income. Generally, with some exceptions,
eligibility for free legal advice is limited to families that are close to the
federal poverty level. When a service states that you must be within 125% of the
poverty level, for example, they are referring to the amount you earn that
is above the federal poverty level:
| Family Size |
125% |
187.5% |
200% |
| 1 |
$10,738 |
$16,107 |
$17,180 |
| 2 |
$14,513 |
$21,770 |
$23,220 |
| 3 |
$18,288 |
$27,432 |
$29,260 |
| 4 |
$22,063 |
$33,095 |
$35,300 |
| 5 |
$25,838 |
$38,757 |
$41,340 |
| 6 |
$29,613 |
$44,420 |
$47,380 |
| 7 |
$33,388 |
$50,082 |
$53,420 |
| 8 |
$37,163 |
$55,745 |
$59,460 |
"Family Size" refers to the total number of
people in the family. If you are married with two children, then you would have
to make at or less than $22,063 per year to qualify for a service that limits
its clients to 125% of the poverty level.
You may still qualify regardless of income if you are HIV positive, disabled, elderly, or experiencing domestic
abuse. Unusually high medical or child care expenses can also be considered.
Type of problem
None of the free services will handle
criminal matters. The appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants in
criminal matters is
handled by the courts through public defender offices or by direct
appointment of private attorneys. The legal services available can vary. As a general rule, free legal services are not available for
cases that would be considered fee generating. Personal injury cases are an
example of a fee generating case. Probate and succession matters can also be
considered fee generating.
The services available depend on the
provider and the legal problem. Services can range from brief legal advice
to full representation in court. Priority is given in some offices to cases
involving domestic abuse, divorce, custody, child support, consumer,
housing, public benefits, property, and nursing home care.
Where you live
The services available to you may depend on
where you live in Louisiana. Capital Area Services in Baton Rouge cannot
help you if you live in Shreveport. Most services have geographical limits,
although a few operate throughout the state. The Advocacy Center is an
example of legal services that operate throughout the state. However, their
representation is limited to clients who are elderly or disabled.
Before trying to contact one of the
services we list here, make sure that you live within the area they service
and make sure they handle the type of problem you have.
For more detailed information on the legal
services available for the elderly, disabled, and those who cannot afford an
attorney, visit
www.lawhelp.org/la or visit the websites of the services listed for your
area. |
Service:
AIDSLaw of Louisiana, Inc.
Area served:
Throughout Louisiana for those with an HIV and/or AIDS diagnosis.
Contact:
504-568-1631
www.aidlaw.org
Service:
Capital Area Legal Services
Area served:
Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville,
Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, Saint James, St John the Baptist, Terrebonne, West
Baton Rouge, West Feliciana. Offices in four cities.
Contact:
225-387-5173
www.calscla.org
Service:
Legal Aide Bureau
Area served:
Six parishes in the New Orleans area.
Contact:
504-488-4995
Service:
Legal Services of North Louisiana,
Inc.
Area served:
Most of the Northern parishes of Louisiana. Also provides services to the
elderly regardless of income. Offices in three cities.
Contact:
318-222-7186
www.lsnl.org
Service:
Mental Health Advocacy Service
Area served:
Throughout Louisiana. Services are for the disabled, mentally ill and
juveniles. Offices in six cities.
Contact:
(225) 342-6678
Service:
New Orleans Legal Assistance
Area served:
Part of Southeast Legal Services Corporation and covers the greater New
Orleans area. Offices in three cities.
Contact:
(504) 529-1000
www.nolac.org
Service:
Pro Bono Project
Area served:
Greater New Orleans area. Mostly volunteer attorneys provide help for needy
clients.
Contact:
504-581-4043
www.probono-no.org
Service:
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Area served:
Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Jefferson, Orleans,
Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, and Washington parishes.
Offices in two cities
Contact:
985-345-2130
www.slls.org |
