Is There Any Free Or Low-Cost Legal Services?


          After reviewing all the different possibilities of payment arrangements with different lawyers, you find that hiring a lawyer is too expensive compared to your situation. You might not get a loan for having a legal representative. Even if it is too expensive do not give up the idea of being legally advised. If you do not have any lawyer you may lose a lot more. There are some possibilities for people to get cheaper or free legal services.

          First, if you are in a very critical financial situation, you may be entitled to free legal services. If you are considered as indigent within the meaning of any applicable state or federal guideline, you may be eligible for representation by a public defender in a federal or state criminal case. Low-income people can also apply successfully for free representation in landlord-tenant and divorce cases. If you need financial help in obtaining legal representation and think that you might qualify for indigent status, contact pro bono and legal services organizations in your neighborhood.

          If your financial situation is not so bad but if hiring a lawyer is a real financial burden, you can get a lawyer for free or at little cost. In many cases you do not have to be indigent. In some organizations or companies, members are offered prepaid legal plans. These prepaid plans often include a low or no-cost consultation, or low-cost services in uncontested divorces or simple wills matters. Second you should check your liability insurance policy. Your policy may also include coverage for attorney fees or require your insurance company to provide an attorney to defend you in a lawsuit. In your companies, you should look into the possibilities with your union. Indeed many unions provide free legal services to their members in union-related matters. If your case or claim is work-related, you should definitely discuss with your union representative.

          At last, certain rights or advocacy groups might be interested in and want to get involved in your case. For instance, if you are challenging an unlawful attack on your civil liberties or right to free speech, an organization such as the American Civil Liberties Union may be interested in helping you. Plenty of other type of non-governmental organizations exist and have some interest in your case. Ask you family or friend if they know any possibility. You should always look into any possibilities before giving up having your rights respected.