A Quick Explanation of Legal Aid Services
Legal aid services comprise a composite of legal services such as counsel, advice, brief services, and services in more complex matters, including representation at all judicial stages. These services are tailored specifically for those who cannot afford to pay for attorneys. Legal aid organizations may also provide non-legal social service help in the areas of stability and housing, health, safety, hunger, education, civil rights, economic development, and general quality of life. In Chester County , legal aid services are provided for civil issues. The types of civil issues handled may vary depending on the services offered in a particular community. For example, local programs may deal with housing and foreclosure issues, family law, consumer fraud, immigration, land use, wills, and individual rights. These services are vital to the community as they offer programs including the Volunteer Attorney Program, Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline, Community Legal Aid and mobile clinics. Depending on the issues you face, you can apply for any of these programs.
Legal Aid Qualifications
The eligibility criteria for legal aid applicants in Chester County are primarily based on income and residency. To qualify, applicants must meet the income guidelines set forth by the state.
For 2015, the income ceiling for one person was $1,197 per month and $2,007 for two people. Also, asset limits apply to non-exempt resources such as real estate, cars, stocks, bonds and bank accounts. For instance, bank accounts holding over $1,500 in cash or other liquid assets, frozen checking and savings accounts, life insurance policies and retirement accounts may preclude an applicant from receiving free legal assistance. In most cases, an applicant must also be a resident of Pennsylvania, however, in some family law cases he or she may be able to receive assistance from a local Free Legal Program if they reside in a neighboring state.
Members of controlled groups may also be deemed to be a single item MA household if there is a unity of financial interest, i.e., members are subject to a common management system and not financially independent. In addition, undocumented or non-citizens can be qualified for legal aid if they are pending removal or if their application for adjustment of status is pending.
Best Legal Aid Organizations in Chester County
The major legal aid organizations that operate in Chester County include Community Justice Project (CJP), MidPenn Legal Services, and Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. Here is a brief overview of each organization:
Community Justice Project – The Community Justice Project is a legal aid clinic that provides services in Chester County for low-income people who would not otherwise be able to afford an attorney. CJP handles civil matters such as housing, employment, general support, and child custody. The organization does charge a small fee for its services.
MidPenn Legal Services – MidPenn Legal Services provides assistance to low-income people in Chester, Lancaster, and five other south central Pennsylvania counties. Areas of law covered by the organization include public benefits, family law, tax law, public utilities, education, consumer rights, insurance, housing, medical issues, government benefits, and senior citizens rights. This service is also not free. Their website has information about typical fees.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network – The purpose of the PA legal aid network is to "deliver quality civil legal services to low-income residents of Pennsylvania and to empower clients." Legal aid serves people in need of services in the following practices: immigration, healthcare, foreclosure & eviction, domestic violence, veterans, rural area, disability/discrimination, seniors, and others.
How to Obtain Legal Aid
How to Apply for Legal Aid in Chester County
In Chester County, the application process for legal aid typically begins with a submission of an online applications or a visit to the local office. Before applicants can receive free legal advice however, it is important that they meet certain requirements as determined by local legal aid professionals. Overall, the process is designed to provide legal assistance as efficiently as possible to ensure that anyone who requires services receives the assistance they need.
The initial step toward accessing legal aid in Chester County is submitting either a phone or an online application. Applications are submitted after the required documentation is compiled. All applications must be accompanied by informative documentation regarding a number of important factors including the following:
The information relevant to legal aid often goes beyond the scope of basic income data. Legal aid professionals in Chester County require specific information regarding bills, loan accounts and other outstanding financial obligations. In addition to recent bank statements and pay stubs, this information allows Chester County lawyers to make a more accurate assessment regarding the level of need for legal aid.
After the application has been submitted, applicants will receive a notice confirming that their application is being considered. Legal aid lawyers in Chester County will then review each application to determine how much assistance should be given. When attorneys determine that legal aid is warranted, free legal counseling services are immediately made available.
Of course, there are certain things that can be done to help ensure that any legal aid application is as successful as possible. For example, speaking with a legal professional regarding your situation before filing an application can help ensure you have all the required information and documentation. This gives legal aid attorneys a full picture of your situation, so they can make a determination regarding the level of assistance you might be able to benefit from.
Common Legal Assistance Issues
Chester County legal aid services address a variety of issues that affect the lives of the county’s low-income residents, including housing disputes, family law matters, and employment issues. Housing is a significant issue, with the Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) providing services to renters facing eviction proceedings, addressing public housing problems, and challenging wrongful foreclosures. Family law matters covered by Chester County legal aid include Domestic Relations, or issues related to the dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and alimony, as well as, representation for victims of domestic violence and spousal abuse . Additional family law services include child custody mediation, juvenile dependency cases, including records expungement, adoptions, and guardianships. The impact of unemployment on low-income families cannot be underestimated. LASP assists those who have had workers’ compensation or unemployment benefits denied. In addition, LASP advocates on behalf of clients in disputes with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare regarding applications for or the availability of public benefits and Medicaid. Chester County legal aid also helps people file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and assist those seeking modification of existing bankruptcies.
Other Legal Help Resources
In addition to the services provided by legal aid organizations, there are a few other resources that residents of Chester County can access for legal assistance. The Chester County Library offers a Self-Help Center. This center provides users with information about how to handle their own legal matters, including instructional videos and books on various legal topics. The library also provides access to legal databases that are typically reserved for lawyers.
Another option for those who want to represent themselves is the Lancaster Bar Association’s series of monthly self-help clinics called Pro Se Day. These clinics help people who cannot afford a lawyer but do not qualify for legal aid. The Pro Se Day clinic deals with family law and child custody matters and is held on the second Thursday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster County Courthouse.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association also offers a number of resources to help Pennsylvanians find legal assistance. Its Pro Bono Portal contains a list of one day a week clinics offered by local bar associations. There are no fixed requirements for eligibility to attend these clinics. The Pennsylvania Bar Association website also has an "I Need a Lawyer" feature that asks potential clients a series of questions designed to match them to someone who can help. Potential clients may fill out a form or call a hotline.
While going to court without a lawyer may not be advisable, sometimes circumstances require it. In Chester County, residents have a number of options open to them for legal assistance. From free attorney-represented legal aid clinics to online resources, navigating the law can be a little less intimidating with some extra help.
Successful Cases Through Chester County Legal Aid
The impact of legal aid services in Chester County has been nothing short of transformative for many community members. For instance, an individual who recently accessed the Bridge of Hope program through Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) expressed their gratitude: "Without your help, I would have been homeless and not been able to get a job. Your staff helped me find an apartment and understand the process of getting it. I appreciate your help more than you know." This particular case sheds light on the vital role legal assistance plays in securing stable housing for those in need.
Another was a 62-year-old grandmother named "Sharon" from Phoenixville who was being evicted from her home of over a decade due to nonpayment of rent. Through LASP’s Pennsylvania statewide hotline, LASP was able to guide her through the process of applying for a rental assistance program, which resulted in the lifting of her eviction order . In addition, the organization assisted Sharon in obtaining food and transportation benefits, including providing gas cards for her commute to work at Colonial Gardens. As a result of these legal aid services, Sharon is now able to care for her 6-year-old grandson and maintain her employment.
A third story involves a young mother whom Chester County Legal Services (CCLS) helped obtain emergency custody of her 3-month-old son who was born with birth defects. Since birth, the child had gone through three surgeries and was yet to be released from the hospital. Legal aid’s swift response allowed the mother to secure custody without having to wait for a lengthy dependency hearing. Despite the child’s medical challenges and prognosis, the mother and child have remained out of the foster care system. CCLS has also provided legal assistance to help the mother become approved for Social Security Income.
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