Legal Aid Services

[ann1073]

Has anyone used their state's Legal Aid Services to file?

[FreshLikeADaisy]

Ann, I tried, but because I was not in the middle of "exigent circumstances" like trying to stop a foreclosure or losing my drivers license because of an unpaid judgement, they could not help me, saying the system here (FL) is overwhelmed.

On a positive note, however, everyone I've spoken with who has qualified for and received Legal Aid help has been very pleased with the help they received. Even the people I was talking with in the line waiting for Legal Aid to open who had used them before had nothing but good to say about them.

Good luck!!!

[HHM]

Most legal aid services have fairly stringent income guidelines for accepting cases.

Generally speaking, they only accept cases where the person is 100% or less of the poverty line income level. For example, (using federal standards), the poverty line for a household of 2 is $13,690 per year, which means, for a household of 2, your combined income could not exceed $27,380.

However, they will base the poverty standard on your specific states poverty level, but you get the idea. But generally speaking, they staff very good attorneys.

[FreshLikeADaisy]

HHM, just fyi for me it wasn't income (my income is $0 ) but the fact that they have received so many requests *specifically for bk* help. The letter I got listed some six or so criteria where I would be eligible, but I had already gone through foreclosure and lost everything when I applied, so I was SOL. But then again, I'm kind of glad.

[ann1073]

I called today and they took my info and will forward to the office closest to me.... they said I should hear back from someone next week.

I just want to get the BK process started............

[HHM]

I called today and they took my info and will forward to the office closest to me.... they said I should hear back from someone next week.

I just want to get the BK process started............

Note, there is a difference between legal aid, and being referred to an attorney who will represent you pro bono...it sounds like you got shifted to the later.