The Elder Law addresses the growing need for free legal advice for seniors and quality elder law services in the USA.
This page contains client education materials and information about Legal advice and representation services for the elderly. Contact an organization near you to find out the ways they may be able to help you.
Also, this site contains links to other organizations in various states which may assist you at no cost.
Most of these organizations provide free legal advice and high quality legal services to those who qualify. These services are free for senior citizens age 60 and over who are socially and economically needy. Hotline attorneys answer questions in civil cases for those age 60 or older. There are limits on both geographic and physical mobility.
Rental Assistance Program, predatory lending, evictions, disability benefits, Medicare Advocacy, Medicaid Advocacy, elder abuse and financial exploitation, guardianship/conservatorship defense, nursing homes discharge...
Here are some organizations that can help get free legal advice for seniors:
AARP
LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY - Pro Bono Access to Justice
The Pro Bono Access to Justice Practice handles civil legal issues affecting older D.C. residents with limited means. The goal is to ensure seniors receive public benefits (Food Stamps, Medicaid, Social Security and others. The counsel also helps to prevent foreclosure and eviction through negotiation or court litigation.
Toll-Free Nationwide: 1-888-OUR-AARP
(1-888-687-2277)
Toll-Free Spanish: 1-877-342-2277
International Calls: +1-202-434-3525
TTY user dial 711
-English: 1-877-434-7598
-Spanish: 1-866-238-9488
Legal help for elders- Senior Legal Helpline (800) 342-5297
ARIZONA
Community Partner Assistor Organization Call Center: (602) 542-5802 or outside of Maricopa (855) 572-4958
Arizona Department of Economic Security Toll Free 1-877-600-2722.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Confidential SHIP Assistance Helpline 1-800-432-4040
Area Agency on Aging, Maricopa County 602-280-1059 800-432-4040
Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Show Low 877-521-3500 Flagstaff Office 877-521-3500
CALIFORNIA
California Department of Aging 2880 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95833 Phone (916) 419-7500 Division of Home and Community Living Phone (916) 419-7540
Disability Rights California Los Angeles 350 South Bixel Street Suite 290 Los Angeles, CA 90017 United States (800) 776-5746
Los Angeles Department of Aging Address: 221 N. Figueroa St., Ste. 500, Los Angeles, CA 90012 General Number: 213-482-7252
Elder Law & Advocacy - Senior Legal Services 5151 Murphy Canyon Road Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 565 - 1392
Legal Assistance to the Elderly 1663 Mission Street Suite 225 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 538-3333
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara 301 E. Canon Perdido Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 963 - 6754
Inland Counties Legal Services - San Bernardino 455 N. D Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 884 - 8615
Disability Rights California - Sacramento 1831 K Street Sacramento, CA 95811 (800) 776-5746
http://www.lawhelpca.org/
Community Legal Aid SoCal
Anaheim 250 East Center Street Anaheim, CA 92805 Phone: 800-834-5001
Santa Ana – Main Office 2101 North Tustin Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 800-834-5001
Compton 725 West Rosecrans Avenue Compton, CA 90222 Phone: 800-834-5001
Norwalk 12440 East Firestone Boulevard, Suite 309 Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: 800-834-5001
FLORIDA
Florida Senior Legal Helpline 1-888-895-7873 - Elder Affairs 850 414-2000. Free legal advice for seniors.
Legal Services of North Florida
Tallahassee Administrative Office 2119 Delta Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Phone: (850) 385-9007 Serving: Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla
Tallahassee - South City 900 Bates Dr. Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Phone: (850) 385-9007 Serving: Leon
Pensacola 1741 N. Palafox St. Pensacola, Florida 32501 Phone: (850) 432-8222 Serving: Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Fort Walton Beach 133 Staff Drive Ste. B Ft. Walton Beach, Florida 32548 Phone: (850) 862-3279 Serving: Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Panama City 211 E. 11th St. Panama City, Florida 32401 Phone: (850) 769-3581 Serving: Bay, Gulf, Holmes and Washington counties.
Quincy 121 N. Jackson St. Quincy, Florida 32351 Phone: (850) 875-9881 Serving: Calhoun, Gadsden, Jackson, and Liberty counties.
Bay Area Legal Services Legal Aid Line: (800) 625-2257
Florida Senior Legal Helpline: (888) 895-7873
Florida Veterans Legal Helpline: (866) 486-6161
Clearwater (Volunteer Lawyers Program) 800 Drew Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Phone: 727.490.4040
Dade City 14950 US Highway 301 Dade City, FL 33523 Phone: 352.567.9044
New Port Richey 7340 Little Road Suite 101 New Port Richey, FL 34654 Phone: 727.847.5494
Plant City 701 Tillman Place Suite 300 Plant City, FL 33566 Phone: 813.752.1335
Ruskin 201 14th Avenue SE Suite I Ruskin, FL 33570 Phone: 813.634.6044
St. Petersburg 4948 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33707 Phone: 727.490.4040
Tampa - L. David Shear Children’s Law Center 1000 N Ashley Drive Suite 518 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813.227.9050
Tampa - Volunteer Lawyers Program George Edgecomb Courthouse 800 E Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813.226.8685 ext. 110
Tampa - Legal Information Center George Edgecomb Courthouse Room 101 800 E Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 For Walk-In Hours: 813.864.2280
Ybor City 1302 N 19th Street Suite 400 Tampa, FL 33605 Phone: 813.232.1343
GEORGIA
Elderly Legal Assistance Program 2 Peach tree St. NW 33rd Floor ATLANTA, GA 30303 Primary: (404) 657-5258 - Toll-Free: (866) 552-4464
KANSAS
Kansas Legal Services - The Senior Citizen Law Project (SCLP) 712 S. Kansas Ave, Suite 200. Topeka, KS 66603 Tel: 785-233-2068, Elder Hotline 888-353-5337, LSC's toll-free 1-800-723-6953
MAINE
Legal Services for the Elderly, 5 Wabon Street, Augusta ME 04330 Phone (HelpLine): 1-800-750-5353 TTY: 711
MARYLAND
Senior Legal Assistance Maryland Access Point 301 West Preston Street Suite 1007 Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-1100 | (800) 243-3425
Offers counseling, legal advice and representation to Marylanders who are 60 years of age and older. Phone: 1 (844) 627-5465
Maryland Senior Legal Helpline - (410) 951-7750 and 1 800 896- 4213 EXT: 7750
Maryland Senior Legal Helpline 500 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202 Phone 410-951-7777 Hotline Phone 866-635-2948
MISSOURI
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 912 Wildwood PO Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 Phone: (573) 751-6400 - Senior Legal Helpline 1-800-235-5503
NEW MEXICO
Senior Citizens’ Law Office - Free Legal Services - 4317 Lead Avenue S.E., Suite A Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 (505) 265-2300
Free services to seniors age 60 and over who meet their requirements and live iin Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, or Valencia counties.
NEW YORK
SENIOR LEGAL ADVICE HELPLINE Free legal help for New Yorkers 55+
1-844-481-0973 and (716) 856-5317
MAIN OFFICE 438 Main Street, Suite 1200, Buffalo NY 14202 Phone: (716) 853-3087
CHAUTAUQUA OFFICE 314 Central Avenue, Suite 300 Dunkirk NY 14048 Phone: (716) 261-3275
NIAGARA OFFICE 175 Walnut Street, Suite 1 Lockport NY 14094 Lockport Phone: (716) 878-9297
New York City Department for the Aging Elderly Crime Victims Resource Center call 311 to be connected to services. Aging Connect, call 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469)
NORTH CAROLINA
Legal Aid of North Carolina 224 S. Dawson St., Raleigh, NC 27601 P.O. Box 26087, Raleigh, NC 27611 Help Online 1-866-219-LANC (5262) Senior Legal Helpline Phone: 1 (877) 579-7562
OREGON
Oregon Public Benefits Oregon Law Center PO Box 825, Salem Oregon 97308 (503) 485-0696 or (888) 601-7907 (Toll-Free) Hotline: 1-800-520-5292. Eviction Defense Project: (888) 585-9638.
Portland Regional Office - Oregon Law Center 522 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 812 Portland, OR 97204 (800) 672-4919 (Toll-Free)
Disability Rights Oregon 610 SW Broadway Suite 200 Portland, OR 97205 503-243-2081
Lane County Legal Aid/OLC 376 E. Eleventh Street Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 485-1017, 1-844-595-8330
Legal Aid Services of Oregon 520 SW Sixth Avenue Suite 1130 Portland, OR 97204 (503) 224-4094
Legal Aid Services of Oregon 520 SW 6th Avenue Suite 700 Portland, OR 97204 (503) 224-4086, 1-800-228-6958 Toll-Free
Legal Aid Services of Oregon 304 SW Coast Highway Newport, OR 97365 (541) 265-5305, (800) 222-3884
Legal Aid Services of Oregon 280 LIberty Street SE Suite 320 Salem, OR 97301 (503) 581-5265
SOUTH CAROLINA
SCDOA South Carolina Department on Aging - Free Legal Advice for Seniors and Assistance 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 350, Columbia, SC 29201 Local: (803) 734-9900 Toll Free: 1-800-868-9095
WASHINGTON STATE
Northwest Justice Project 401 Second Avenue S, Suite 407 Seattle, WA 98104 206-464-1519 Toll-Free 1-888-201-1012 CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral) Seniors age 60 and over call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111
WISCONSIN
Department of Health Services 1 West Wilson Street Madison, WI 53703 Phone number: 608-266-1865 TTY phone number: 711 or 800-947-3529
WYOMING
Legal Aid of Wyoming 1920 Thomes Ave., Ste. 320, Cheyenne, WY 82001 Phone: 307-432-0807 or Toll-Free 1-877-432-9955
1501 Stampede Ave., Ste. 3212, Cody, WY 82414 Phone: 307-459-5757
400 S. Kendrick Ave., Ste. 304, Gillette, WY 82716 Phone: 307-459-5766
420 Lincoln St., Lander, WY 82520 Phone: 307-332-351
Pro Bono Legal Services for Seniors in the US: Bridging Justice Gaps
Pro bono legal services play a crucial role in addressing the legal needs of seniors in the United States, acting as a vital lifeline to bridge the justice gap and empower vulnerable communities. This comprehensive article explores the purpose, definition, benefits, and the landscape of pro bono legal services tailored to the unique challenges faced by seniors.
Introduction
Addressing Legal Needs: The Vital Role of Pro Bono Services for Seniors.
Seniors often encounter legal challenges that can be overwhelming, ranging from issues related to housing, healthcare, and financial exploitation. Pro bono legal services emerge as a critical support system, ensuring access to justice for those who may face financial barriers.
Understanding the Purpose
Bridging the Justice Gap: Pro Bono Services as a Lifeline for Seniors.
Pro bono services go beyond legal assistance; they serve as a lifeline for seniors by ensuring that no one is denied justice due to an inability to pay for legal representation. This section delves into the profound impact of pro bono work on bridging the justice gap in the senior community.
Empowering Vulnerable Communities through Legal Advocacy.
Exploring how pro bono legal services empower vulnerable senior communities by advocating for their rights and ensuring fair treatment under the law. This section highlights the broader societal impact of legal advocacy for seniors.
Defining Pro Bono Legal Services
Unpacking Pro Bono: A Commitment to Service Without Financial Barriers.
This section delves into the definition of pro bono legal services, emphasizing the commitment to providing legal assistance without imposing financial barriers. It explores the ethical and professional obligation lawyers have to contribute to the community through pro bono work.
Tailoring Legal Assistance to the Unique Challenges Faced by Seniors.
Examining how pro bono services are uniquely tailored to address the specific legal challenges faced by seniors, from estate planning to issues related to elder abuse. Understanding the nuances of providing legal aid that is responsive to the needs of the aging population.
Exploring the Benefits
Alleviating Financial Strain: How Pro Bono Services Support Seniors.
This section uncovers the financial benefits of pro bono services, alleviating the economic strain on seniors who may be living on fixed incomes. It delves into the ways in which free legal assistance helps seniors navigate legal complexities without the burden of prohibitive costs.
Early Intervention: Preventing Legal Issues from Escalating.
Examining how pro bono services act as a preventive measure, intervening early to resolve legal issues before they escalate. Highlighting the importance of timely legal assistance in mitigating potential crises for seniors.
Building a Supportive Community: The Social Impact of Pro Bono Legal Aid.
This section explores the social impact of pro bono legal aid, emphasizing how it contributes to building a supportive community for seniors. Beyond legal solutions, it fosters a sense of solidarity and community engagement.
Navigating the Pro Bono Landscape for Seniors
Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for Pro Bono Assistance?
Breaking down the eligibility criteria for seniors seeking pro bono legal assistance. Discussing income thresholds, types of cases covered, and other factors that determine eligibility, ensuring clarity for potential recipients.
Connecting Seniors with Legal Professionals: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Offering a step-by-step guide on how seniors can connect with pro bono legal professionals. From seeking assistance through legal aid organizations to understanding the process of matching with a lawyer, this section provides practical insights.
Real-Life Success Stories: The Impact of Pro Bono Legal Aid.
Illustrating the tangible impact of pro bono legal aid through real-life success stories. These stories highlight the transformative effect of legal assistance on the lives of seniors, showcasing the positive outcomes that can result from pro bono work.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if I qualify for pro bono legal services as a senior?
A1: Eligibility typically depends on income and the nature of the legal issue. Many legal aid organizations have specific criteria, and seniors with limited financial resources or facing pressing legal challenges often qualify.
Q2: What types of legal issues can pro bono services help seniors with?
A2: Pro bono services cover a wide range of issues, including estate planning, housing disputes, healthcare access, and elder abuse. The specific areas may vary, but they are designed to address the diverse legal needs of seniors.
Q3: How can seniors find pro bono legal assistance in their area?
A3: Seniors can start by contacting local legal aid organizations, senior centers, or bar associations. These entities often have information on available pro bono services and can guide seniors on the next steps to access legal assistance.
Q4: Are pro bono services really free for seniors?
A4: Yes, pro bono services are provided free of charge to seniors who meet the eligibility criteria. Lawyers volunteer their time to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder seniors from accessing the legal assistance they need.
Q5: What should seniors expect during the pro bono legal process?
A5: Seniors can expect a collaborative process where they work closely with a legal professional. The process involves an initial consultation, assessment of the legal issue, and the development of a strategy to address and resolve the problem.
This detailed article aims to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of pro bono legal services for seniors in the US. By exploring the purpose, definition, benefits, and practical guidance for navigating the pro bono landscape, it serves as a comprehensive resource for both seniors in need of legal assistance and the legal professionals dedicated to serving them.
National Disability Rights NetworkDISCLAIMER: The law will vary depending on your state, jurisdiction and the specifics of your case. The information provided by lawhood.com is intended for educational purposes only. The content on this site should NOT be considered professional legal advice or a substitute for professional legal advice. For such services, we recommend getting a free initial consultation by a licensed Attorney in your state.