What Is Legal Aid?
Legal aid is a general term that refers to different types of legal assistance provided for free or at a reduced cost to qualified members of the community. Legal aid services may or may not be provided on a pro bono basis by lawyers in private practice, according to the rules of a given state bar association. Some legal aid programs receive funding from the federal government, and others are run by local and state government agencies, either in conjunction with or independently of an overarching program.
The basic purpose of legal aid is to give individuals who cannot afford to pay for necessary legal services an option of obtaining help . For instance, legal aid attorneys may assist you with obtaining unemployment benefits, apply for and receive Social Security benefits, handle landlord-tenant disputes, family law issues such as divorce and child custody, provide consumer protection and foreclosure defense, or assist veterans and military service members with various legal issues. The type of assistance provided by legal aid lawyers varies by jurisdiction, and not all legal aid programs are available in all areas.
Potential legal aid clients must usually meet a specific set of criteria to qualify for legal aid services, and income level is usually one of the primary factors used in determining eligibility. Federal guidelines for the legal aid system apply here and throughout the United States. Legal aid attorneys are required to have their clients fill out a questionnaire to determine their eligibility for legal aid.
Legal Aid Services in Licking County
Licking County, Ohio has a number of resources available for residents who are in Need of legal assistance but may not have the means to afford an attorney. Legal aid services in the county typically provide free or low-cost legal services to qualified individuals or families, based on their income and the specific legal issue at hand.
One of the primary organizations offering legal aid services in Licking County is the Licking County Bar Association (LCBA). The LCBA maintains a directory of attorneys who provide pro bono or reduced-fee legal services to low-income individuals. These attorneys volunteer to take on cases that are referred to them by the LCBA Pro Bono Committee. People who are interested in obtaining legal aid through the LCBA should contact the organization to determine if they are eligible for assistance.
Another organization providing legal aid services in Licking County is the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, which serves residents of Licking, Franklin, Madison, Morrow, and Union counties in Central Ohio. The Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal services for low-income clients, including legal representation in areas such as family law, housing law, consumer law, public benefits, and domestic violence. Individuals seeking help from the Legal Aid Society can contact their offices to schedule an appointment with an attorney.
In addition to these organizations, the Licking County Juvenile Court has a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program, which recruits and trains members of the community to serve as GALs in juvenile cases. Volunteer GALs represent the best interests of children involved in court proceedings. The program is supported by the Licking County Court Foundation, which accepts donations to help fund the GAL Program.
The Licking County Department of Job and Family Services also provides a Children’s Protective Services (CPS) Program, which investigates allegations of abuse or neglect of children in Licking County. The CPS program works to protect children and strengthen families in the community. While CPS does not provide legal services, they may refer individuals involved with their agency to legal aid organizations in the county.
Overall, there are a variety of legal aid resources available to Licking County residents in need of assistance. People seeking legal aid services should reach out to these organizations directly to discuss their needs and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Qualifying for Legal Aid in Licking County
Legal Aid Services of Southwestern Ohio provides free legal assistance to those in greatest needs in all of our 32 counties, including Licking County. As with all Legal Aid offices in our tri-county region and beyond, we have a specific process we use in determining who is eligible for our services. First, Legal Aid (in any county) can only assist people living at or below 200% of the poverty line. We only serve low-income individuals and families. In addition to total income per month, we also look at assets, such as savings, checking, or retirement accounts. Once someone contacts us for an intake interview, our screener will figure out quickly if their income is below 200%. If so, we will schedule for the next step, which is a more in-depth phone interview completed by another staff member. At that time, the client’s financial situation will be assessed. We will also ask general questions about the nature of the legal situation to determine if we are able to assist. If we cannot (for whatever reason), in most cases we will refer the client to other resources.
At times, depending upon the issues presented in the person’s situation, we are able to assist individuals facing denial or termination of public benefits (such as Medicaid). Legal Aid may be able to help you appeal a decision denying or terminating your benefits. We also may be able to assist clients with evictions, termination of social security benefits, and other civil matters. Legal Aid of Southwestern Ohio will never have any contact with opposing party in your case, and we do not accept cases that involve defending against charges or issues presented by government entities. Only cases between individuals are considered. Although we may not have the resources or capacity to take on every case that comes to us, we always do our best to direct individuals to other possible resources and programs both legal and otherwise.
Applying for Legal Aid in Licking County
Applying for legal aid in Licking County is a straightforward process. The first step is to find out if you meet the criteria for assistance, which generally includes being a resident of Licking County, demonstrating a need for legal representation, and having a low income level. Each legal aid organization may have slightly different requirements, so it’s essential to check their website or contact them for details.
After you’ve determined that you are eligible, you will need to gather the required documents. These can include proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or lease agreement, and any paperwork related to your legal issue, like court documents or contracts. It’s a good idea to make copies of everything you submit, as you’ll need them for your records.
The next step is to fill out a legal aid application. This application may be available online or in person at the legal aid office. Provide as much information as possible, including your contact details, background, your legal issue, and any other relevant facts. Be honest and thorough, as incomplete applications can delay or even result in a denial of assistance.
If there is a specific court date connected to your situation and you need legal assistance quickly, indicate that in your application. This information can get you prioritized for a speedy review.
After submitting your application and relevant documents, you will typically be contacted by a legal aid representative who will interview you to assess your case. During this interview, you will be asked about the specifics of your issue and your need for legal aid. They will also review your financial situation to confirm your eligibility. If you applied jointly with your spouse, both of you should participate in the interview.
Once the interview is completed, your case will be evaluated, and a decision will be made about whether legal aid can provide assistance. You will be notified via email, mail, or in person. In cases where the amount of support requested is lawyer hours, such as when you get a public defender or assistance with a family court matter, the amount of aid allowed may vary.
While the application process is relatively quick, the time it takes for a decision can vary, depending on the legal aid office’s workload and the handling of your case. Be sure to keep the legal aid office informed of any changes in your contact information or circumstances, and always show up for appointments or phone calls at the scheduled times.
Legal Issues Addressed by Legal Aid in Licking County
Legal aid in Licking County addresses a variety of common legal issues. Many residents face challenges relating to housing, child custody, or consumer rights. Each of these areas can be complicated without the assistance of qualified legal counsel.
Family law is one issue that tends to come up frequently. Custody disputes, alimony, divorce, and the drafting of legally enforceable wills are just some of the problems that arise in family law. Even without the legal entailment of marriage, custody is still a relevant legal issue for co-parents. Ohio law clearly states the process for establishing a parenting plan in the event that two parents become separated or divorced. When married parents divorce, the divorce will often define the rights and responsibilities of each parent.
Landlord-tenant disputes are another area in which legal aid in Licking County can provide assistance . Most people are familiar with the process involved in renting an apartment or a home, but many do not know their rights as tenants. For-instance, in Licking County, landlords have particular security deposit responsibilities. The lessons of landlord-tenant law may apply equally well to apartment rentals and rental homes in unincorporated communities. Eviction is another major concern to residential renters.
Some residents in Licking County find themselves facing problems with consumer protection. Under Ohio law, consumers are protected from fraudulent business practices. If a business misleads a potential customer into making a purchase, the consumer has legal recourse. Additionally, the state seeks to protect customers of certain service based companies. Scams exist that prey on customers of mortgage companies and home repair businesses.
Advantages of Getting Legal Aid
In the pursuit of justice, the availability of legal aid plays a crucial role, especially for those facing financial limitations. For residents of Licking County, the benefits of seeking legal aid cannot be understated. By obtaining support from Licking County Legal Aid or statewide programs like Ohio State Legal Aid, individuals gain access to legal resources that are essential in navigating complex legal issues.
Financially, legal aid provides a significant advantage. Legal representation can be costly, but for low-income individuals and families in Licking County, legal aid services offer free or reduced-cost legal assistance. This not only alleviates the financial burden of hiring a private attorney but also ensures that those who cannot afford legal representation are not deprived of their right to a fair trial. It bridges the gap between the justice system and those who need it the most, allowing equal opportunities for all to seek the counsel they require.
Emotionally, having legal representation reduces the stress often associated with legal battles. With legal aid, residents of Licking County can approach their legal issues with a sense of security. Legal representatives help demystify the legal jargon and process, making it more approachable for individuals who may not understand the intricacies. By having someone knowledgeable to represent their interests, individuals can focus on their personal lives without the constant worry of their legal matters.
In addition, residents can also tap into emotional networks created by legal aid organizations. These networks help individuals feel supported not just legally, but also emotionally during their difficult times. Such support systems are invaluable as they provide the comfort of knowing that the community stands behind individuals seeking justice.
In summary, for residents of Licking County, seeking legal aid offers numerous benefits, from financial relief to emotional confidence. It is a tool for empowerment, giving individuals the means to protect their rights and interests.
Barriers to Getting Legal Aid
Despite the significant resources and services offered by the legal aid society in Licking County, there are often challenges associated with accessing these services. One of the most common examples is the high number of persons considered eligible for assistance, many of whom are unable to find an attorney or other necessary resources within the organization. This is one reason that many applicants to legal aid do not receive legal services, regardless of their income or situation.
In addition to the mere lack of available attorneys, the legal aid society may also focus on high priority cases. While the legal aid society strives to offer pro bono legal services to the maximize number of people in the Licking County region, the fact remains that many attorneys are often overworked – meaning that the resources of the legal aid society are stretched thin. As a result, applicants for legal aid may not be able to find help from the society for their case, as it may be deemed of lower priority than other issues.
Even when applicants for legal assistance are offered pro bono representation through the legal aid society, it may be difficult to make the schedule of the attorney and the client meet. In fact, this is one of the main problems facing parties who do and do not qualify for legal aid. Once an attorney becomes involved in the case, there is often a lack of effective communication between the two persons, resulting in frustration among those involved.
These issues, however, are not specific to the legal aid society in Licking County. As with most forms of assistance, free or subsidized legal aid is almost always in short supply, and many cases simply go underserved. Furthermore, apart from the needs of case knowledge and experience, attorneys also have scheduling challenges that can further complicate the attorney-client relationship.
Success Stories of Legal Aid Clients
Through the Licking County Pro Bono Program, which is a provision of the Ohio State Bar Association, those with low to median income are served by local lawyers and law students who are members of the Licking County Bar Association. The protection of legal rights has changed some lives for the better and they are proud to share their experiences in legal aid.
Maria, an immigrant from Mexico, came to this country to build a better life for herself and her daughter. At some point, Maria’s luck changed. She was living in Heath, Ohio when her partner turned abusive. She knew she needed to get out, but lacked the income to leave an increasingly dangerous situation and the knowledge of how to do so. Maria’s friend re-acquainted her with a former co-worker who was active in the domestic violence community. She quickly fielded Maria off to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and PLEA, an organization that helps domestic violence victims. Maria had the option of calling the legal aid hotline, but since she was also dealing with a housing crisis, she was referred to the Columbus office to see if her unique needs would be best met there. Laura, a paralegal in the consumer practice group, organized Maria’s case after a lawyer from Columbus took on the case pro bono. Laura learned that Maria was involved in a domestic relationship with another undocumented immigrant who had become increasingly abusive. Laura helped Maria to obtain a Domestic Relations Protection Order (TPO) from a judge at Licking County Municipal Court by running through the required paperwork with the court. To avoid an early court date, Maria was transferred to Franklin County where the lawyer could take her case. In addition to obtaining a TPO, the lawyer filed a motion in Franklin County asking for a transfer to Licking County so Maria could regain custody of her daughter. The lawyer requested the custody hearing take place in Licking County instead of Franklin County because that is where the domestic abuse had occurred and because of Maria’s history as a single mother there prior to the abuse.
Maria was able to continue on the case to regain custody of her daughter , and while she did not succeed at that hearing, she gained valuable knowledge from what she now knows and can do. "I put all my power and energy on getting my daughter back," Maria said. She was proud of what she has accomplished in requesting a restraining order and knowing she can start the motions for custody again. "Without the help of PLEA, I would probably be dead or in Mexico," Maria said. She finally feels vindicated and excited that she can legally document what has been done to her and her daughter. Maria is grateful that she was not returned to Mexico, and that she is learning to navigate the system to regain some aspects of her life back.
Laura said the other side agreed to a no-contact order preventing the boyfriend from coming around in exchange for Maria not taking him from prison.
Michelle, 35, is a single mother of two boys, 4 and 12. She had been given some information about how to get a divorce, but when she took it to court, she was denied because the paperwork was filled out incorrectly. Her friend referred her to the legal aid program. Legal aid contacted Michelle, sending her a packet of information about the forms she needed and what she would have to do to fill them out. "I thought, problem solved! A legal aid lawyer will complete the paperwork for me, and all I have to do is take it to court, right?" she said. "So wrong."
After attending a clinic for the Ohio legal forms, Michelle learned there are no lawyers to complete the forms for her, and the particular case she was working was something that needed to be handled by the County Prosecutor Office in her home state of West Virginia. Michelle was disappointed that this is how it was going to work out. She said she was not given the chance to tell her story about the divorce and felt she was sent to the wrong spot for help. "I want to give back as soon as I can because I felt so much support from the lawyers and staff," Michelle said. "Even though things didn’t work out for my case, I still appreciated all the help and knowledge I received from Ohio Legal Aid."