Understanding legal aid services in Ann Arbor: a full guide
What is legal aid and why is it necessary
Legal aid is a vital resource for many people who cannot afford the often-prohibitive costs of private legal services. Ann Arbor legal aid groups, such as the Legal Services of South Central Michigan, aim to bridge the gap between needs and resources, providing access to certain types of legal help. These services are not merely ‘nice to have’ – they have critical relevance for those facing the prospect of legal action without the means to defend themselves.
The benefits of legal aid are clear. Through these programs, those who would otherwise be completely unrepresented can gain access to the legal support they so desperately need . The modalities vary by organization, but common examples include civil cases, including family law cases and domestic issues, criminal matters that do not involve incarceration, and landlord-tenant or eviction matters. Your exact circumstances will influence what type of assistance you can expect, as well as which organization is most likely to provide it.
Legal aid is designed to help those in critical need of support, meaning that eligibility varies from program to program and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Legal aid services offered in Ann Arbor
Legal aid services aim to provide legal information and legal representation to those who are at or below the federal poverty line. Sometimes, legal aid services are simply informational and direct websites or documents that help you with your specific need. Other times, legal aid services can mean in-person assistance, legal representation in court, or a pro bono attorney.
Legal aid services are not designed to handle any issues – but there are many areas where it can be a huge help. In the Michigan region, legal aid services are provided from legal aid clinics, law schools, etc. as follows:
Family Law – The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) offers comprehensive family law service support to low-income residents in Washtenaw County and other mid-Michigan Area counties. Legal aid services are provided by the University of Michigan Law School and other local nonprofits. The service is called Family Law Legal Help Center, and there is no charge. Legal aid services provided include:
• Legal Information
• Court Forms
• Document Review
• Limited Representation in Court
• Referrals for Many Other Legal and Community Services
Housing – Legal aid services for housing-related issues include:
• eviction relief including housing programs
• domestic relations issues including domestic violence
• traffic and criminal records
• foreclosure
• landlord/tenant issues
• utilities
• special education
• security deposits
• housing discrimination
Consumer Rights – Several agencies offer consumer rights legal aid services to help low income residents address:
• identity/theft issues
• bankruptcy
• garnishments
• unreasonable physician and hospital bills
• auto sales fraud
• loan scams
Other Areas of Coverage – Legal aid services may also address:
• Work authorization and naturalization
• Health care, including Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, MI Child, new issues arising under the Affordable Care Act, SafeLink, AmeriPlan, food stamps
• Special education, including IEPs, transition planning, restraints and seclusion
• Consumer rights, including loan and debt collection abuse, counterfeit checks and money orders, company billing issues
• SSI and Social Security Income
• Home Preservation Rent Assistance, including housing discrimination, tenant organizing, the Rental Assistance program, subsidies, evictions, utility shut-offs
• Special cases for other areas
If you need legal aid services in Ann Arbor, you should reach out as soon as possible.
How to qualify for legal aid in Ann Arbor
To qualify for legal aid in Ann Arbor, applicants generally need to meet specific eligibility criteria that determine whether they require and are qualified for assistance. These criteria are intended to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to those who are most in need. Income level is one of the primary factors considered for legal aid eligibility in Ann Arbor. Applicants must demonstrate that their income falls below a certain threshold, which is typically in line with the poverty guidelines set forth by the federal government. This is intended to ensure that legal aid services are directed towards individuals and families who cannot afford to hire an attorney on their own.
Residence status is another critical factor in determining eligibility. Typically, applicants must be able to show proof of residency in the county (i.e. residing in Washtenaw County and surrounding areas) where they are seeking legal assistance. This is to prevent non-residents from accessing what are meant to be local resources.
Along with income and residence status, some legal aid organizations in Ann Arbor may require applicants to go through a conflict of interest check to ensure that there is no conflict of interest that would prevent them from providing services. For example, if the organization’s staff attorney is related to the applicant, this could pose a conflict of interest. Additionally, those seeking legal aid for family law or divorce cases may need to go through mediation with their spouse prior to seeking full legal representation.
Applying for legal aid in Ann Arbor
Navigating the process for applying can be a little tricky, but this step-by-step guide is here to help.
- Determine eligibility – As we’ve mentioned, there are income and asset requirements for legal aid. Know the requirements that apply to you. If you have access to real estate, a variety of financial resources, or other potentially valuable properties, a high probability exists that you will not qualify for legal aid.
- Get the application – You can apply online through the Michigan Legal Help website, or in person at one of the legal aid offices in Ann Arbor.
- Gather documentation – Along with your online or in-person application, you will need to provide the following documentation:
• Your income – past 30 days – including money you receive from employment, Social Security, Veteran’s Administration, pension or other sources
• A list of assets – including bank statements or bank account numbers for savings and checking, credit union account numbers, stock certificates, pensions, 401ks, real estate, vehicles, and anything else of value
• Incidents relevant to your case – Copies of all paperwork related to your case are required
4. Submit your application – Apply online or at your local legal aid office, with everything in place. Then play the waiting game.
Though the application process is fairly simple, there are elements that can be somewhat confusing. If your application is denied, you will need to go elsewhere for help – whether it’s private financial assistance for legal representation or a statewide program that establishes financial aid on a case-by-case basis.
Top legal aid organizations in Ann Arbor
To narrow your search for legal assistance, there are several organizations in and around the Ann Arbor area. These groups can direct you to the assistance you need or connect you with a qualified attorney. Most of the following organizations do not charge for services. They offer help primarily in family law, bankruptcy law, and other civil matters. If you are eligible and your case requires a lawyer, the organization will refer you to a private attorney who will take the case pro bono (for free). Here are some of the top legal aid organizations in the Ann Arbor area:
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
336 Packard Street, Suite 350
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734-769-8127
An American Bar Association (ABA) certified program, Legal Services of South Central Michigan assists residents of Bay, Jackson, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. It offers civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families.
Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc.
601 N. Washington Ave. #138
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: 248-559-9160
The Legal Aid & Defender Association serves low-income residents in all of southeastern Michigan. It has six primary offices throughout the region, in addition to Ann Arbor.
Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP)
3031 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 450
Detroit , MI 48202
Phone: 800-881-0930
The Michigan Poverty Law Program responds, in part, to the legal needs of low-income residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. It also provides information and resources to over 120 legal aid clinics and programs throughout Michigan so they may serve local communities.
The Incubator Program & Project SALUTE
71 Allegan St., Suite 506
Olds Plaza Bldg, Suite 503
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-742-5845
This program partners with the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Youngs Lawyers Section to provide affordable legal assistance. Project SALUTE is part of the incubator program and is open to law students and new attorneys to assist military veterans.
Michigan Legal Help
Website: www.michiganlegalhelp.org
This resource, created in 2012, has had a positive impact on self-represented litigants throughout the state of Michigan. It has more than 90 self-help centers in Michigan’s 83 counties. Attorneys and judges have recommended the program and website.
Legal aid organizations like the above can teach you how to file certain documents and complete forms. They can help you better understand the legal process and your rights. They can also refer you to a competent family law attorney or help you research an attorney.
Typical legal issues resolved with Ann Arbor legal aid
Legal aid in Ann Arbor is designed to level the playing field for the most vulnerable members of the community. Some of the most common legal issues that are covered aren’t typically associated with a high level of urgency, but they still have a huge impact on quality of life. Legal aid organizations do their best to offer legal counsel to all those who need it, but there are times when resources are spread thin, and some clients may be turned away or offered a referral to a private sector or pro bono attorney.
Evictions are the most frequent legal issue addressed by legal aid in Ann Arbor. As of 2015, more than 2,000 eviction hearings per year were listed in Washtenaw County District Court. District court hears all civil cases with less than $25,000 at stake, so evictions are handled here as well. Eviction hearings are brief, and many renters are not represented by an attorney when they go before the judge. Legal aid in Ann Arbor sends an attorney to help represent indigent tenants with eviction cases.
Family disputes include domestic violence protective orders, child abuse and neglect cases, child custody matters, child in need of care cases, and paternity actions. Legal aid in Ann Arbor does not take on cases of abuse within the family unit, which are handled by the fully private Safe House Center.
Criminal cases are not handled by legal aid in Ann Arbor. Low-income earners who cannot afford a private criminal defense attorney generally obtain public defenders.
Other legal issues that may be addressed by legal aid in Ann Arbor include medical assistance, Social Security disability claims, benefits appeals, guardianships, and unlawful debt collection practices. Some cases may spark additional litigation, such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, or predatory lending.
Successful cases with legal aid in Ann Arbor
The impact of legal aid in the Ann Arbor community has been significant, with numerous individuals and families experiencing life-changing benefits from the services provided. Consider the story of Sarah, a domestic violence survivor who sought legal aid to secure a protective order against her abusive spouse. With the assistance of legal aid, she was able to navigate the complex legal process and gained a safe environment for herself and her children. In a separate case, John, a low-income individual, needed vital benefits such as food stamps and medical assistance. Struggling with the bureaucracy and complicated forms, John reached out to a legal aid organization in Ann Arbor. Their team helped him complete the applications and communicate effectively with relevant agencies. John now receives the necessary support to live a more dignified life. For countless others, the compassionate and professional work of legal aid organizations in Ann Arbor has meant the difference between stability and chaos. Whether it’s finding affordable housing, obtaining protection from abuse, or gaining access to essential government benefits, the positive changes resulting from legal aid cannot be overstated.
The struggles of legal aid in Ann Arbor
Despite the tremendous assistance that legal aid services provide, they are often faced with hurdles that can make it difficult to maintain funding and continue providing these valuable services to the members of their community who need them the most. At present, there are about 18 million Americans who are living below the federal poverty line—in a state like Michigan that’s about 1.7 million people, many of whom need the support of legal aid programs.
Here are just some of the challenges legal aid offices face as they strive to help these people:
• The demand for legal aid services has always been greater than the amount of resources available. This means that the choice of which clients to accept is difficult, and sometimes lawyers even have to turn some people away.
• Legal aid services are funded through donations from local bar associations , state bar associations, IOLTA funds, and charitable foundations. This makes them particularly vulnerable to cuts in government funding.
• Legal aid in Ann Arbor is constantly at risk of losing its funding because more people obtain legal insurance. As such, it becomes difficult to convince donors to keep funding legal aid programs, as they may believe that other resources are available to these people.
• More questions are being raised about the efficacy and success of pro bono programs because the cost of legal representation continues to rise. Those in need of legal services don’t always feel comfortable approaching legal aid or pro bono services while feeling as though their problem is much too complicated to be dealt with effectively.