What is Legal Aid?
Legal aid refers broadly to the services of lawyers who help the low-income and disadvantaged people. The purpose of legal aid is to provide legal representation to those who otherwise cannot afford it. While legal aid offices do take on a small number of cases, their focus is typically on providing self-help services and local legal education to individuals with incomes below 125% of the federal poverty level. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is a central part of the federal government’s strategy to ensure that all Americans enjoy equal access to justice in their pursuit of economic or housing stability . Every year, the LSC distributes approximately $420 million to 133 legal aid programs in 50 states (including Oregon), the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The LSC provides support for civil law cases concerning basic human needs, such as: Other types of cases legal aid attorneys might handle include domestic violence cases, eviction actions, reprieve from wrongful termination or denial of Social Security benefits for the elderly, and any other instances in which a low-income individual must deal with the law. To qualify for free legal aid services, an applicant will usually need to provide proof of his or her income, as well as identification and information about his or her legal situation.
Legal Aid Services in Roseburg, Oregon
The Roseburg area has several legal aid organizations that provide pro bono legal services or free legal support. The aim is to help the lower-income and disadvantaged residents of the city.
One local group, Liberty Legal Aid, provides brief assistance and referrals. Located in the historic downtown district, it provides help to those with cases in small claims court.
For cases beyond the capacity of Liberty Legal Aid, Douglas County District Court offers a Family Law Assistance Group. This clinic, held on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., helps parties to navigate the complexities of family law. Volunteers will give limited one-on-one consultations on a variety of issues, including child custody, visitation, child support, property division, spousal maintenance, guardianship, and adoption.
Focusing specifically on foreclosure legal assistance, Oregon Law Help provides an online resource of free legal aid programs throughout the state. Local to Roseburg, it recommends Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Umpqua Valley as the best option for foreclosure or mortgage-related issues. Located in nearby Roseburg and affiliated with Oregon Law Help, Lane County Legal Aid also assists with housing issues, including eviction.
Lawyers for Good Government (LF4G) provides another resource specific to Roseburg and many other locations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, a tenant rights project providing online resources such as legal clinics and an online search tool to find a local lawyer and determine whether the case may be handled pro bono. In addition, LF4G offers an ebook of tenant rights resources for Oregon in advance of a potential eviction.
How to Get Legal Aid
In order to qualify for legal aid in Roseburg, Oregon, the applicant must demonstrate a financial need. This is usually determined through a means test which looks at the applicant’s household income and assets. The income limits for eligibility are typically set at 125% of the federal poverty level. As of 2021, that means that a single person household would have to have less than $15,775 in annual gross income to qualify. Likewise, a four-person household cannot earn more than $32,375 a year. However, legal aid qualification may vary based on the specific agency providing the assistance.
Legal aid agencies often require applicants to meet other criteria to qualify for the services they provide. For instance, legal aid may have specific programs and services that are only available to low-income individuals and families that fit certain criteria. They may be able to assist applicants with their cases for unemployment benefits, public assistance, bankruptcy, SAIF settlements, and public utilities. Some legal aid agencies may prioritize serving seniors, people with disabilities, and children.
To apply for legal aid in Roseburg, Oregon, you can either apply online at your preferred legal aid office website or call for an appointment. Legal aid workers will then review your application and determine if you qualify for legal aid. If so, then they can begin the process of matching you up with a lawyer from their panel that is qualified to assist you with your specific case. It is important to remember that you do not have to qualify for free legal assistance to get other legal aid services that they may offer, such as educational materials, advice, and self-help pro se assistance.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
If you’re considering legal aid in Roseburg, Oregon, the first step is to give them a call or visit in person to see if you qualify. Note that you do not have to be the individual experiencing legal trouble to apply for legal aid. If you are worried about eligibility, it can’t hurt to call and ask. You may even want to talk with an attorney in Roseburg, Oregon if you find you still face issues after being denied legal aid. You may be asked to fill out a form once you sit down with someone to discuss eligibility. Ask how the information will be used. Some legal aid programs share information with other legal aid programs, so some may be privy to your information and even know whether you’ve been denied or accepted pending a time frame. If you prefer not to have this information shared, be sure to say so. First, your needs will be assessed, meaning the organization tries to determine the level of service you request and what is appropriate for you. You will discuss your case in detail and also be asked whether you have any upcoming deadlines. If so, you’ll need to meet with someone immediately so safeguards can be put in place and action can be taken on your case. For those who participate in a group intake setting, the organization will gather additional information considered helpful in screening cases. Then, your case is assigned to the intake worker for consideration. At this point, there are several outcomes. Case acceptance is the most ideal situation. You will be assigned an attorney and may be asked to go over the case again prior to proceeding. The lawyer you work with may also refer additional cases to a different office, such as an office specializing in domestic violence or your local Bar Association. In some cases, you may get referred to the private bar, an organization that refers applicants to a private sector attorney for services at a reduced fee. Case denial is also something that can happen. If the case is accepted and you’ve provided all of your information in a timely manner, you can request a review of the decision, which may involve requesting to meet with a manager. Of course, if you don’t agree with the decision at all, you have the right to pursue private legal counsel at your own expense.
Common Legal Issues Covered
The legal issues that can be addressed through legal aid programs are numerous and varied, reflecting the complexities of the law itself. In Roseburg, Oregon, legal aid programs often handle cases such as eviction defense for tenants facing discrimination, domestic violence, or other unwarranted removal from their home. Latino community representation for those who are limited in either language or resource access is another common area of focus, along with foreclosure and repossession protection for clients who are threatened by this all too common an occurrence . Consumer rights and representation against debt collectors are also behind some of the most prevalent cases handled by legal aid programs, as are a significant number of personal injury lawsuits that arise from various types of incidents. Employment and land lord/tenant rights are other primary areas of focus, along with child custody and domestic relations issues of all kinds, including divorce, adoption, and estate settlement.
Roseburg Success Stories
Roseburg divorce attorney Jennifer Kline had been practicing family law for nearly 15 years before she decided to volunteer her time at the legal aid office. The difference it has made for her is "life changing," she said.
Divorcing without an attorney can leave a person vulnerable to losing more than he or she should. Even just the opportunity to talk to an attorney about the process can make a difference. That is what Kline offers at the Community Justice Legal Aid Services of Oregon in Roseburg.
Kline’s supervising attorney at the Justice Center reviewed a recent divorce case that Kline worked on through Legal Aid and called it "ah-maze-ing." Instead of getting half of the value of the home and half of the debt that went into it, the 62-year-old widow would have received half of the home; half of the debt; half of the loan on the vehicle, and the bank would have to take the loan off the credit report. One of the big reasons she may have lost this case is her husband would be able to afford to hire an attorney and pay the fee while she could not. She was surprised to find out that she got to keep the car, boat, motorcycle and four-wheeler from the divorce.
Over time, the local legal aid office has seen and heard stories that highlight the fact that people functioning in crisis do not know how to represent themselves effectively, take money that isn’t theirs, or effectively advocate for services.
While both the Family Law Facilitator, who assists people with filing status quo orders until they are able to see a lawyer in court, and the Legal Aid office are happy to serve the people of Roseburg, the work isn’t done.
FAQs about Legal Aid in Roseburg
What exactly is legal aid?
Legal aid encompasses a full range of free and low-cost services, including legal representation, consultations, information and education, and other forms of advocacy. These services – provided by nonprofit organizations – are designed to ensure legal representation for those unable to afford an attorney of their own.
Who is eligible for legal aid?
While eligibility is generally determined by income, the exact criteria varies by organization. Most groups list eligibility requirements on their websites, and potential clients should check eligibility before applying for services. In some cases, clients may be connected with pro bono attorneys who are willing to take on their case after screening by a legal aid organization.
How do I apply for legal aid in Roseburg?
Most legal aid services accept applications via their website. Some groups maintain online chat services, which can help connect potential clients with a lawyer who’s eager to take on their case. Others encourage calls directly to the office, where staff can walk applications through the process in person.
Why can’t I simply keep my case public?
Not only do limited resources make it unlikely that your case receives enough attention in a public defender’s office, but you may not benefit from full legal representation in this context. Because paper processing is common and public defenders may not have the time to visit you in jail or at your home, there’s little opportunity for moving cases to more favorable resolution.
How is civil legal aid funded?
Federal grants, contributions from private individuals, funds from specific counties, and other sources are used to finance civil legal aid efforts. While some funding is provided through Legal Services Corporation, many cases are funded through state and local programs.
What else can I do to advocate for change in Roseburg, Oregon?
Consider reaching out to local advocacy groups to request better legal resources in your area. In particular, children need access to legal aid in school. These resources can help citizens to obtain legal assistance in domestic matters, including adoptions and custody issues.
Donating to Legal Aid
How to Support Legal Aid Efforts in Roseburg Oregon
The mission of the legal aid organization is to ensure that low-income individuals and families in Douglas County have affordable representation. Their goal is to ensure that everyone has access to quality representation for their civil legal needs, and they work closely with local attorneys to meet these needs.
To support the work of the legal aid organization and assist more people in Roseburg, Oregon, donations are always welcome. Many law firms assist the legal aid organization by making pro bono work a requirement within their firm. There is also a network of volunteer attorneys who assist those in need.
If you’d like to contribute to the legal aid organization in Roseburg, Oregon, simply contact them directly. You can speak to one of the staff members or simply send your donation via mail to the address that’s listed on their website . The legal aid organization appreciates all donations, whether it’s financial aid to assist with litigation efforts or the donation of legal supplies. Volunteers are also welcome to reach out to the legal aid organization to learn how they can best help.
The dedicated staff members at this legal aid organization are always willing to explain the types of donations they need. It may be beneficial to offer monetary donations, as these can best be used by the legal aid organization to offer help to those in need. The staff appreciates the variable flexibility offered by monetary donations.
It’s difficult to ignore the many legal issues that the limited income families in Roseburg, Oregon, face. The legal aid organization helps individuals throughout Douglas County whether they are dealing with an attorney, budgeting for attorney fees, or representing themselves. Remember that this organization is often the last hope for many struggling individuals, so please donate to help its cause.