Getting to Know Legal Aid Services in Montgomery, AL

Montgomery Legal Aid Explained

Navigating through complex legal matters can be a daunting task, especially for those who are already facing significant challenges in their lives. In Montgomery, Alabama, legal aid services play a crucial role in providing access to justice for low-income individuals and families. Legal aid is an essential resource for those seeking assistance with various legal issues, such as family law, landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence, and immigration matters.
Legal aid refers to free or low-cost legal services that are delivered by organizations and professionals to eligible individuals . These services are designed to help those who cannot afford private legal representation and to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice in the legal system. Legal aid is crucial in helping individuals navigate court proceedings, understand their legal rights, and obtain necessary legal documentation.
In Montgomery, the legal aid community is strong and diverse, offering various resources to residents in need of assistance. From local non-profit organizations to pro bono attorneys and legal aid clinics, Montgomery’s legal aid services are committed to promoting justice and equality by providing essential legal support to underserved communities.

Who Qualifies for Legal Aid in Montgomery

To be eligible for legal aid, a client must meet two tests: the financial criteria (income limits) and the nature of the case. The income limit for an individual is $20,420.2783, but for a family of four—$51,952. Minimal assets are allowed. Cases must involve civil matters. Legal Services of Alabama does not handle criminal cases, but does assist with domestic violence temporary protection from abuse hearings. Non-profit charities which serve the poor often have their own eligibility guidelines. LSA serves a 12-county area of central Alabama.

Legal Aid Covers These Types of Cases in Montgomery

As a community-based legal services provider in Montgomery, AL, Legal Services Alabama assists clients who face a wide range of legal issues for which they cannot otherwise afford competent representation. The organization’s ability to take on such cases is made possible through the financial support of funders including the Legal Services Corporation, the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, the United Way of Central Alabama, and private and public donors.
In Alabama, legal aid services include assistance with issues related to domestic violence, housing, foreclosure, employment, consumer rights, child custody, discharge from incarceration, insurance, bankruptcy, warranty cases and other legal problems.
Among the legal issues served by Legal Services Alabama are:
Family Law
Legal Services Alabama provides representation to low-income families serving the 20-county central Alabama area with divorces, divorces with children, bankruptcies, termination of parental rights and other family law matters. For example, the organization recently represented a disabled mother of two during a divorce process involving an abusive spouse that resulted in her being awarded custody of the children and her home while restricting the father’s parental rights.
Housing Law
Legal Services Alabama assists low-income families with housing matters including recoveries for substandard housing, evictions and assistance with landlord-tenant disputes. This includes help in dealing with mold issues and unsafe lead paint found in homes. A recent case helped a disabled family enjoy safer living conditions at home and in the neighborhood.
Consumer Law
Legal Services Alabama assists low-income families with creditor issues, including debt collection lawsuits, repossessions of vehicles and the threat of garnishments on monthly income. Often the client simply needs a brief intervention (such as a letter) in order to stop aggressive interest and collection attempts. In other situations, the client needs professional legal representation.
Probate Law
Legal Services Alabama assists low-income families with probate matters including estates and civil actions likely to usher a will through probate. The organization also assists clients with small estates, guiding them through the steps of the probate process.

How to Seek Legal Aid in Montgomery

Applying for legal aid services in Montgomery is a vital step in seeking legal support when financial limitations might otherwise be an issue. The application process will often begin with a phone call or an in-person visit to your local legal aid society, where you’ll explain your problem to a staff member and answer any questions they ask to better qualify your situation for their services.
The application is a simple form aiming to gather all the basic information from you, including:
Depending on your particular case and situation, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as income verification, proof of a disability or a police report in instances of domestic violence.
There may also be some initial application requirements to discuss your matter with the attorney, such as a waiting period, checking in for a telephone appointment or a meeting at certain times of the day(s) .
Your initial scheduled appointment can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Although the ultimate goal of the legal aid service is to represent you through the entirety of your case, they may offer you a referral to another organization if your issue is time-sensitive and they cannot take you on immediately.
Because of the variety of legal issues present, legal aid services typically work on a first-come, first-served basis or may implement a specific procedure to deal with immediate needs.
In order to qualify for legal aid services in Montgomery, AL, you must not have the financial means to hire a private attorney. Additionally, many organizations will request a court’s permission to get involved in a particular matter.

Legal Aid Options in Montgomery

Understanding Legal Aid Services in Montgomery, AL
The State of Alabama provides some governmental legal aid for those who qualify. Alabama Legal Resource Finder is a statewide service that offers free legal information on Alabama lawyers, legal aid and public interest firms in the area.
Below is a partial list of Alabama legal aids. Most importantly, each has its own unique qualifications.
Legal Help in Montgomery, AL. Call now.
Child Protect (Child Dependency)

(334) 324-0591

Free Legal Assistance for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect
Eligibility Requirements for Services:
Victim must be child, aged 0 – 18
Encouraged if currently in dependency court system
Alabama State Bar Child Protection Pro Bono Project
Where to Apply: Call or email – Child Protect
Email: Yvonne@childprotect.org
Catholic Social Services (Public Benefits) – Montgomery

(334) 288-7990

Legal Assistance – Other (Public Benefits)
Eligibility Requirements for Services:
some fees….fees may be waived based on financial need
Where to Apply: Call or walk-in (Tuesday and Thursday only)
Bilingual assistance.
Alabama Legal Services Program (Disibility Law Project – statewide)

(866) 456-4995

Disability Law Project
Where to Apply: Call for Application
Eligibility is based on income levels. Childcare or transportation may be provided.
Disability Law Project
Disability Law attorneys are located across the state from Shoals to Mobile. If you qualify, the Disability Law attorney will contact you. You will then be assigned a Disability Law attorney where you reside.
Legal Services Alabama (Domestic, Federal Courts, Bankruptcy, etc.)
1-866-456-4995
Where to Apply: Visit website or call for application
Legal Services Alabama, Inc. is a non-profit law firm serving low-income Alabamians and others who qualify for our assistance. Alabama Legal Services works to solve legal problems for individuals and families, providing seamless legal aid to those who qualify through advocacy, pro bono and comprehensive legal education. We have a presence in all 67 counties with 11 offices throughout Alabama, with the Montgomery office located inside the Alabama State House.

Questions People Ask about Legal Aid in Montgomery

Here are a few of the most common questions asked by potential applicants:
Does legal aid charge for its services?
Legal Aid of Alabama does not charge fees for its services.
When will I hear back about my application?
Each local office has a different time frame for processing and accepting applicants . Be sure to check with your closest legal aid office about their application procedures and time frames. Once you apply, a staff member will usually get back to you within three days.
I am unable to come into the office. Can I submit my application online?
Some offices allow online applications so check with your local office before proceeding.