Information on legal assistance programs in Michigan

There are several non-profit law firms in Michigan that provide free legal assistance to low to moderate income citizens, seniors, and the disabled. The organizations provide a multitude of legal services to eligible clients. Hundreds of lawyers and support personnel work at these firms, and the majority of funding comes from the federal government. Find more information below on the programs they offer, as well as contact information.

The programs that are currently in place offer clients a wide range of free legal representation and services. Their primary goal is to address the concerns and legal needs of residents throughout the state of Michigan.

Types of free legal advice

The type of requests and exact programs offered may vary slightly from firm to firm. In some situations, a potential client may only require some general information or basic advice. In some other cases, a legal problem may require extensive consultation and research, representation, or the client may need an attorney to help them with formal in-court counsel. The programs offer advice, prepare documents, answer questions, negotiate settlements, and provide court representation, all at no cost to the client.

Housing matters: Thousands of families across Michigan are facing extensive housing concerns, including evictions, are facing home foreclosures, and are struggling with paying their mortgage. Lawyers can provide free advice on housing matters, including foreclosure advice. They can assist with mortgage foreclosures, help prevent evictions, deal with landlord and tenant disputes, repair issues for tenants, assistance with property tax foreclosures, lockouts, including utility termination and disconnections, public housing programs including admission policies, rent levels and evictions.

 

 

 

Family law and domestic issues: Receive legal help and consultation on civil family law cases, which can include PPO cases, divorce cases, custody cases, support cases, and especially cases to prevent violence against a child or a spouse. They can also help where there is a change in custody sought from a parent who already has custody of the child.

Government benefit programs: If you need assistance in navigating federal or state of Michigan government benefit programs, attorneys on staff can provide advice. Some of the programs include Medicaid, Medicare, unemployment compensation, and social security foodstamps and other government food programs, SSI, health care programs, Social Security and more.

Senior citizens: Numerous programs and services are offered to help seniors in Michigan. Lawyers can provide free wills, guardianships, power of attorney, nursing home issues, and other advice.

Consumer legal advice: Unlawful debt collection practices and calls, contracts, debts and repossessions,  unfair or deceptive lending or sales practices, consumer finance and installment agreement problems, bankruptcies, and predatory lending.

 

 

Who to contact for free legal advice in Michigan

Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc - They cover Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County, Michigan, including the City of Detroit. Call them at 877.964.4700.

Legal Aid of Western Michigan - They can be reached at 616-774-0672. This law firms helps people in the 17 counties in the lower western part of Michigan. They have law offices in Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Niles, St. Joseph and Kalamazoo.

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan - They provide free legal advice to people in the eastern part of the state, including Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Port Huron. 1-800-322-4512.

Legal Services of Northern Michigan - Provides free legal services for northern parts of Michigan, including Marquette and Traverse City. Phone number is (906) 228-5620.

Michigan Indian Legal Services - This group provides civil legal services to low income Indian individuals and tribes. (877) 968-6877.

Legal Services of South Central Michigan - This non-profit law firm, which can be reached at (734) 665-6181 provides free legal services and assistance to low and moderate income and senior citizens of Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw counties Michigan.