Detroit area free legal aid and representation.
Non-profit law firms, free legal clinics and attorneys across the city of Detroit and its suburbs (including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and other counties) provide low income families free advice, support, and representation in court when needed. Clients can get assistance with housing matters as well as programs to help them with receiving public benefits and much more.
There is also free aid for the elderly and individuals that are most at risk such as the disabled. The leading pro-bono firms in the Wayne County region are below, and many also serve nearby areas such as Oakland County Michigan. All of the programs are federal government funded.
Tenants and homeowners can get help with their housing needs. Staff from agencies such as the Detroit Free Legal Aid Clinic work with clients to keep them housed. Services therefore range from mediation for tenant and landlord concerns to free foreclosure counseling for homeowners.
Free legal aid for housing issues
For those that rent their home or apartment, eviction prevention support is generally offered for free. This can help people in Detroit who are behind on their rent or are faced with other issues from their landlord or apartment manager. Lawyers may coordinate mediation and other support for tenants, and in general offer them the assistance they need for their housing needs. There are also other Detroit homeless prevention programs for both financial aid or legal support.
Clinics in the region, including Oakland County, offer foreclosure prevention and advice. This will help homeowners ideally keep their home. An attorney, or their staff, can work with lenders and other parties in an effort to find a solution. Legal aid may also help in applying for home loan modifications or other programs.
Additional advice or legal representation
Counsel for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is offered to those that need it. In general, this free representation will provide the means to hold the perpetrator accountable. The person who was a victim, such as a women or their child, will be kept safe and be provided various remedies. Pro-bono firms such as Lakeshore Legal Aid will assist them with public benefits advocacy, ensuring long-term safety, custody for their children, and more.
Family Civil Law matters are dealt with as well. This service is wide ranging, however note that no criminal issues are handled. The legal firms will only provide free aid for things such as family arguments, disputes, and other concerns, even on child custody.
Low income clients may request assistance for division of marital property, filing divorce, child custody rights, visitation, and modifications to a lawsuit. In general, seniors in Detroit, regardless of their income, will qualify for free advice from one of these firms. Those are just some examples of the family matters dealt with.
Attorneys help with applications to public aid
Government entitlements can often be hard to obtain. Many people who request SSI or benefits such as food stamps may either be denied, or their application is held up. Or there is delay in getting section 8 housing or low income rent subsidies. Using an attorney or advocate from local firms can help with this process. One example of a non-profit that can help is Legal Aid and Defender Association. They have staff to answer questions and help with completing applications. In addition, Detroit Free Legal Aid Clinic can assist with applications too. Even get details such as Michigan section 8 requirement.
Many applicants may lose their benefits, and legal aid can help there as well. Such as maybe food stamps are cut back are there is housing discrimination for section 8. Or maybe the amount of financial assistance was reduced due to no fault of the residents. Detroit, Oakland and law firms from other counties all assist there as well.
These professionals can help the disabled or very low income break down barriers and get the benefits they are entitled too. They can meet with government officials from social security offices in Wayne County and provide assistance with any hearings. Using the services of an attorney can be a very effective way to get an application for SSDI, LIHEAP, or some other benefit approved in a shorter period of time.
Locations for free attorneys in Detroit region
Many other legal services are provided based on counties below. In addition, a client can even get referrals in some cases, and the non-profits have extensive information on other programs that may help individuals.
- Legal Aid and Defender Association provides services Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County. Call 877.964.4700.
- Wayne County Client Service Center is at 1240 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226, dial 877.964.4700 or 313.967.5800
- Oakland County, Towne Center, 28 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342, call 248.253.1548
- Macomb County office is at 32 Market Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043-5640, 586.465.1344
- Another pro-bono firm to try is Lakeshore Legal Aid, 21885 Dunham Road Suite 4, Clinton Twp., MI 48036, dial (888) 783-8190
- Last, but not least, the Detroit Free Legal Aid Clinic can be reached at 5425 Woodward Avenue - Detroit, MI 48202, Telephone (313) 833-0058
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