Atlanta Legal Aid Society free assistance programs
Guidance, free legal, referrals, consultations and representation is available from Atlanta Legal Aid Society. The non-profit, pro-bono organization provides services to the low income, seniors and less fortunate in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. The focus is on people who would not have access to an attorney on their own, without help.
Clients include the working poor, senior citizens, the disabled, and minorities. However anyone that meets low income guidelines can get assistance for their basic needs, regardless of their age, race, or religion. Assistance is also provided across the metropolitan area, including the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett and other regions. Some of the main services available from the Society are below.
Eviction or Foreclosure Defense works to stop, or even reverse, homelessness in the area. Lawyers work to protect the elderly, disabled, or single parents from losing their home or apartment. Really, anyone that meets low income limits and that is struggling with housing needs may qualify.
The Home Defense Program is the main resource administered. It can assign lawyers or paralegals to work with tenants on stopping evictions. They can coordinate landlord mediation or a review of tenant’s rights. Also, homeowners or people that may have taken out predatory home mortgages or loans can get advice. Extensive foreclosure prevention services are part of the Home Defense Program.
The Cancer and AIDS Legal Project will ensure patients or anyone impacted by it have access to the care they need. Staff help them obtain housing, free health care, gain access to government benefits, and also try to empower individuals. Call (404) 614-3969 for information.
Family law issues are addressed by Atlanta Legal Aid Society. They provide programs and assistance for individuals with domestic challenges. This can include serious issues such as abuse to support for children, including those in the foster care system. Attorneys also work closely with community-based non-profits to coordinate resources.
Disability programs can help clients, or their caregivers, access community-based benefits. The fact is there are numerous disability services available across Georgia. This will allow them to, among other things, get help in applying for SSI benefits. Or they can be put into position in order to live in the least restrictive setting possible. The disabled in the Fulton County area as well as city of Atlanta often take priority when it comes to receiving legal support.
The Society’s Senior Citizens Law Project is for residents over the age of 60 and their spouses. They can get assistance in solving problems involving health care benefits and applying for income. The Legal Aid Society will also represent nursing home and personal care home residents as needed. They can review with them their discharge rights and ensuring the living conditions of those facilities is up to par.
Another option is the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society, State Bar Pro Bono Project, the Georgia Division of Aging Services, and other groups have partnered together to offer this resource for the elderly. It provides them free information, materials, applications for Medicaid and government benefits, and more. Call the hotline at (404) 657-9915 for details.
Related to above is the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Probate Information Center. This helps with completing wills, provides free assistance on estate issues involving debts, and clients can get guidance on how to petition for financial support. Other advice is available for people who need to probate the estate of a loved one.
The Caregiver Project is for Grandparents or Relative that are supporting a child that is not theirs. Volunteers from various law firms in Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett provide free advice, representation and more. Everyone works together so they provide stable, loving homes for children whose parents cannot care for them.
General Law is a wide ranging term. The Atlanta Society will help clients deal with employment issues (such as wages and illegal terminations), resolving landlord-tenant disputes and provide help in applying for public benefits. General Law also assists with a wide variety of consumer and debt issues.
Child services are part of TeamChild. Lawyers based in the county coordinate guardianship programs, Medicaid's Early Prevention Screening Diagnosis and Treatment, guardianship, and other services for the youth. There is also free legal aid for child abuse and other concerns.
Hispanic Outreach Law Project can assist the growing number of Spanish speakers in Georgia. Atlanta Legal Aid Society administrates community education, judicial advocacy, and refers clients to social services. Attorneys will ensure they are able to access benefits, or can even advise them on the naturalization process. Services are offered in Spanish as well, and call (404) 377-5381 for information.
Children's Healthcare is provided as part of the Health Law Partnership. It is for low income or uninsured families, and it will help them get the social, legal, and economic support they need. It is for patients in Hughes Spalding, Egleston, Scottish Rite, or other facilities. (404) 705-0000.
Phone number to apply for free legal consultations in Atlanta
There are several numbers to dial in the region, depending on your need and location. The Atlanta Legal Aid Society can be reached at the following. 151 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, call (404) 524-5811. Or the Cobb County office is supported by staff at (770) 528-2565. Other regions include DeKalb (call (404) 377-0701), South Fulton/Clayton (telephone (404) 669-0233), and Gwinnett (dial (678) 376-4545).
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