Rhode Island free legal advice.
The main organization for individuals to turn to for help is the Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. The non-profit organization can help low income families, seniors, the elderly, and others with civil legal matters. Most of their services are free to income qualified residents, and the firm can help with matters such as taxes, housing (evictions and foreclosure), domestic violence, income, consumer law, and other civil issues. Lawyers can both provide free advice and also representation as needed.
Consumer law
The Consumer Law Group offers assistance to qualified individuals with the following. Get legal help in dealing with Predatory Lending, Foreclosures, Disconnection of Utilities, Income Tax Disputes, Denials and Termination of Government Benefits, Audits, Debt Collectors, and Unemployment and TDI benefits.
State and federal government benefits and programs
The Rhode Island Public Benefits Unit can assist people, especially seniors, with accessing public and government benefits. Lawyers can help them resolve problems and get the benefits they need, as this has always been a focus of Rhode Island Legal Services. Some of what the organization can help people apply for includes medical coverage, cash payments, unemployment and other services. If you are losing the benefits you already have or are denied benefits, call the Public Benefits Unit at Rhode Island Legal Services. A number of paralegals and attorneys are on staff and can help you in resolving the problem through negotiating or they can accompany you to court. Some of the assistance is for Medical Assistance/RIteCare/RiteShare, SSI and Social Security, FIP (formerly AFDC), Child support, GPA (medical, hardship and Bridge benefits), VA benefits, and Food Stamps.
Legal support for tax matters
Get help with completing and filing income taxes. A legal clinic provides low income taxpayers with free legal assistance on state of RI as well as federal government tax matters. Helping with taxes is available for low income Rhode Islanders who are experiencing difficulties with the Internal Revenue Service. The tax assistance program is being implemented by a managing attorney with the help of a tax specialist. Included are audit examinations, collections, liens and/or levies, innocent and injured spouse claims, child tax credits and dependent exemptions. Everything is approved and authorized by the Rhode Island Bar Association.
Rhode Island foreclosure and eviction prevention legal aid
Housing assistance is offered at the Law Center. Get free advice and help in applying for Public and Subsidized Housing in Rhode Island and learn about your Rights as a tenant. An attorney may be able to help represent you in an illegal eviction case, provide information on the landlord's duty to maintain the premises, and advise on security deposits. Foreclosure prevention and counseling is offered too. Also receive support in filing requests for Temporary Restraining Orders in your local District Court.
Rhode Island Legal Services provides support and representation to thousands of low income individuals, seniors and families every year. The client base is very diverse, and it encompasses all races, genders, ages, and ethnic groups. The firms will help with family matters, employment, housing, government benefits or consumer and debt disputes. Many crisis’s are resolved with the aid provided.
Some of the priorities are to ensure that struggling and low-income people have shelter, food, housing, income, government medical care, and freedom from domestic violence. Legal Services provides a full range of free legal assistance, including investigation, advice, brief service, court representation, negotiation, and litigation in all federal and state government trial and appellate courts. Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. can be reached at (800) 662-5034.
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