Finding Legal Aid Services in Greenwood, SC: Your Complete Guide
What is Legal Aid in Greenwood, SC?
Legal aid is a free or low-cost service essential for individuals in need of legal assistance and cannot afford to pay the standard fees. Legal aid offers an opportunity to fight for fundamental rights and protections, matters that can have a tremendous impact on daily life. It is an assistance provided by qualified professionals for vulnerable residents looking for legal help in times of need. Such services are sometimes provided by pro bono work by lawyers, legal volunteers or legal services organizations. Practically speaking, it includes assistance with a broad range of legal support, such as legal representation, education on issues of family law, housing law, immigration and asylum, consumer rights, veteran and military law, and various other legal issues.
Perhaps the most common form of legal aid is that offered by volunteer attorneys who provide advice and brief assistance at local legal aid clinics. Some legal aid organizations also have staff who can represent people in court on certain legal matters . The exact legal aid services available vary from state to state and, within a given state, from one program to another. The most common form of assistance is help completing legal paperwork, attendance at mediation or court hearings, and representation on legal matters, usually in family cases and debt collection actions. Other typical services include a review of possible immigration options, assistance with preparing an advance directive and executor documents, and support on estate planning and foreclosure matters.
In Greenwood, SC, legal aid services are not always easy to identify, making it frustrating for the low- and middle-income households. There are instances wherein people seek legal aid services at a charity, non-profit organization or religious institution without finding suitable relief or the right fit for their unique situation. In South Carolina, legal aid services are offered by the South Carolina Bar, which maintains a toll-free telephone number, online services, public services and a number of specialized divisions that target children, veterans, housing, immigration and death penalty cases.
Eligibility for Legal Aid
Eligibility for legal aid is primarily decided by income levels. Depending upon income and household size, an applicant must be at or below the federal guidelines, currently at 125% of the federal poverty level. Those at or below this figure may qualify for services from either South Carolina Legal Services or Legal Services of South Carolina. The legal aid organization closest to you will determine if they are able to assist you. The value of the case to the client is also a factor in determining services. Any case that has perceived merit and where the attorney believes it can be most effective will be considered. There is a simple guide for determining eligibility for receiving civil legal aid developed by South Carolina Access to Justice Commission. In general, eligibility guidelines for civil legal aid are: You may qualify for a civil legal aid attorney in South Carolina if you make less than $13,588 per year for a single household. For two people, the threshold is $18,654. For each additional person, the threshold increases by $5,300. The following types of cases are not covered: criminal cases, contested custody cases, cases with fees already paid, and claims for monetary damages of over $25,000.
Legal Issues Covered Under Legal Aid
The range of legal issues that may so profoundly affect the lives of low-income citizens is significant. Legal Aid services in Greenwood, SC, do their best to cover many of them. While their scope may not be as expansive as other civil legal aid offices, their office in Greenwood, South Carolina, has no need to turn away any clients, and can assist with just about any pressing legal issue.
Always in high demand, legal aid services in ocean county takes on cases in three primary areas of the law: family, housing, and consumer. Family law issues are the most common. Understandably, there is a wide range of family-related legal matters in which aid can be provided. This includes guardianship, divorces, child custody, child support, setting up and enforcing visitation rights, adoption, and more.
Individuals struggling with housing-related legal problems find a sympathetic and open door at the local legal aid services office. Some of the housing-related services include eviction defense, informal mediation, and representations in court on issues involving landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, and even public housing and housing discrimination issues.
Consumer problems are often pervasive and distressing. Legal aid services in Greenwood, SC can help with such issues as consumer fraud, identity theft, deceptive practices by creditors, repossessions, consumer debt issues, and more.
As with legal aid services in most towns and cities, there are certain legal matters that they typically do not handle. These are the instances in which there is a clear conflict of interest, such as representing a prospective defendant in the same legal matter in which they represent the plaintiff. Other examples of legal issues that are usually not covered by legal aid services in Greenwood, SC include probate issues, personal injury matters, employment (except for Wage and Hour Violations), and clear conflicts of interest.
How to Get Legal Aid
Applying for legal aid in Greenwood, SC is often the first critical step toward securing legal representation for those who cannot afford it. The process can seem daunting, but with the right information, the process can be navigated smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for legal aid in Greenwood, SC.
Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying for legal aid, it’s important to determine whether you qualify for assistance. Legal aid organizations generally consider income and financial situation when deciding eligibility. If you are unsure whether you qualify, do not hesitate to ask.
Gather the Required Documentation
Once you determine your eligibility, gather the necessary documentation. This may include: Bring all of this documentation with you to your application appointment. It also helps to take copies of everything.
Make an Application
In Greenwood, SC, legal aid services application can be made by phone, online, or in person. To apply in person, visit the local legal aid office in Greenwood and ask to complete an application. To apply online, visit the website of the legal aid organization and look for the "How to Apply" section, which will contain a link to the online application.
Complete the Application
When completing the application, provide as much information as possible. This information will help determine eligibility for legal aid. It’s also important to answer all questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Incomplete and dishonest applications will be rejected.
Understand the Process
After your application is submitted, it typically takes 4-6 weeks for legal aid to process it. The reviewing attorney may call you to ask for additional information if needed. Once you have been approved for assistance, you will be assigned a legal aid attorney. If for any reason the legal aid organization cannot assist you, they will provide a referral to a private attorney in your area who may be able to help.
Stay Informed
Once you have submitted your application for services, keep abreast of any information related to your case. This can include upcoming court dates, deadlines, or other related legal matters. You should also stay in contact with your assigned attorney to ask questions or seek legal advice as needed.
Local Legal Aid Organizations and Resources
Residents of Greenwood, South Carolina, can find various resources that provide legal aid on both a local and state level. These services are available to individuals with limited means to enable them to obtain effective assistance in the courts. Below you will find a list of services that may be able to assist you with your legal needs.
The SC Legal Services General Helpline provides free legal advice and representation, funding permitting, to those living at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Helpline attorneys are licensed to practice law in South Carolina and can:
The South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service offers fee-based consultations with attorneys who will help you identify your legal issue and advise you of your options. You do not need to be a South Carolina resident to use the program. No confidential or privileged information should be disclosed while scheduling the consultation. Areas eligible for referral include:
Nolo’s Lawyer Directory is an online resource linking consumers with pre-screened lawyers within the state. Search for attorneys in the following areas:
You can also search by location to receive the names and contact information of legal aid resources located in your area.
Lifeline provides free legal services to elderly residents of South Carolina , including Greenwood, at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. The organization assists clients with guardianships, conservatorships, advanced directives and general legal advice on civil matters. Lawyers at Lifeline represent clients in family law cases, will contests, foreclosure proceedings, guardianships and other civil suits.
The South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) provides civil legal aid to low-income residents throughout South Carolina. Legal aid services from the organization focus on the following areas:
SCLS holds a statewide helpline, which may offer legal advice and services to Greenwood residents, although the priority of funds dictates that certain legal aid may not be available through the organization.
Success Stories and Testimonials
The impact of legal aid services is evident in the lives of many seniors, disabled individuals and low-income families and individuals throughout Greenwood, SC. Client testimonials testify to the profound influence of legal aid attorney services, which has been invaluable to so many.
For example, Mrs. Baker, a senior citizen in the Greenwood area had a daughter who had rented an apartment from her. The daughter had fallen behind on several months’ rent and Mrs. Baker sought legal assistance in evicting her from the apartment. An attorney with legal aid services in Greenwood, SC provided excellent guidance and representation that allowed her to finally evict her delinquent daughter.
Working families also benefit from the services of legal aid lawyers. Mr. Jones, the son of hard-working parents, found himself in trouble as a young adult at a time when he was turning his life around. He sought help and entered drug court where he would go straight for 18 months. Legal aid services helped him with support and counsel he needed to succeed in getting off drugs and back on a good, honest path.
Notable endorsements of the legal aid services in Greenwood, SC can be found in the reviews and testimonials provided on their website.
Challenges and Limitations
While the mission of the legal aid system is clear, making it happen on the ground is far more complicated. As in many other parts of the country, in South Carolina there are great demands on the legal aid system that exceed its capacity. The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), a non-profit corporation established under the U.S. Congress, is the largest single funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. In fiscal year 2018, LSC awarded South Carolina $4,592,985 in Basic Field Grant funds, which are used to provide civil legal services to low-income persons.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers, many of whom do pro bono work, have expressed frustration with the limited funding available to address the pressing legal needs of low-income persons. Some critics of the legal aid system argue that the professional capacity and resources of plaintiffs’ firms have allowed the legal aid system to diminish their commitment to issues relating to poverty and hunger. Others say that the limited funds made available by the LSC and other funders have resulted in the legal aid system shying away from contentious, high-stakes, expensive litigation that would go to trial.
Civil aid legal services in South Carolina are funded not only by the LSC, but also by a number of other organizations, foundations, and government entities, including:
The SC Bar Foundation
Deepak Foundation
Law Firm Pro-Bono Program
United Way of the Midlands
The Duke Endowment
The R. Eugene Smith Trust Fund
Legal Services Support Corporation of the Upstate
Senior Citizens’ Legal Assistance Program
State of South Carolina Budget – General Fund – Office of Indigent Defense
State of South Carolina Budget – Office of the Governor – Victims of Crime
State of South Carolina Budget – State Office of Victims Assistance
South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program and Hotline
South Carolina Bar’s Master-in-Equity and Circuit Court Pro Bono Programs
National Council of Jewish Women
South Carolina Legal Services Commission Disaster Relief Fund
United Way of the Capital Area
Container Corporation of America
L.A.W. Fund
Pfizer Foundation Fairness Fund
Edgar & Shuji Kamstra Fund
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
Epworth Children’s Home
South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program and Hotline
United Way of the Midlands
South Carolina Legal Services Commission Private Attorneys General Fund
The Future of Legal Aid in Greenwood, SC
The future of legal services in Greenwood, SC continues to be an evolving landscape as legislators debate and pass laws that affect the distribution of legal aid funds. Currently, new legislation in South Carolina has earmarked more money for legal aid services, which gives the program hope for the future. The South Carolina Bar Foundation wrote in 2017 that the newly passed South Carolina Bar Foundation Evaluation Act established a grant program for civil legal services, allowing the state bar to award specialized grants to nonprofits who provide legal services to the underprivileged. In its first year, the program allocated $1 million, in what could potentially be a substantial growth opportunity.
Along with an increase in funding , local economic improvements have contributed to the increase in individuals and families seeking legal advice from legal aid offices. While the economy is not yet on par with pre-recession levels, there is a noted difference in client interaction, behavior, trends, and turnover. It seems citizens of Greenwood may not rely solely on legal aid services. While assessing your own future legal needs, consider the following:
Although the future of legal aid services in Greenwood, SC continues to improve, keeping them afloat requires constant support from the community. You can help in the following ways:
While the future shines brightly for legal aid services in Greenwood, SC, the growth and expansion of these services will depend heavily on community support.