Where can I get Free Legal Advice?
Many professional attorneys offer a free initial consultation for potential clients, but this is not always the same as offering free legal advice. While the initial meeting may be free, the attorney is often simply evaluating the merits of the case and any possible out-of-court settlements. Any subsequent meetings can be considered billable. What many people need is truly free legal advice on matters ranging from immigration status to bankruptcy to civil lawsuits. This kind of information is readily available in many countries around the world, but locating sources of free legal advice is not always easy. One source of free legal advice is as close as your telephone. Different companies sponsor pre-recorded legal and medical topics as part of an interactive phone service. These services may be listed in standard phone books, either as a separate section or within the advertising section. Callers can receive free legal advice by dialing the special code corresponding to any of the the
Legal Assistance http://www.courts.wa.gov/selfhelp/index.cfm?fa=sel Source: Washington Courts Information on legal aid resources for people with low to moderate income. Provides links to the Washington State Bar Association ‘s Access to Justice web pages and to information on Family Law resources. Legal assistance can come in the form of attorneys who may represent people in court as well as courthouse facilitators who can help with court procedures and forms but cannot provide any legal advice.
Many courthouses offer “pro se” (represent yourself) divisions for specific legal issues, such as divorce, custody, child support. The appropriate forms are provided and the staff can clarify terminology and answer questions about procedure. These services are free. Many states also offer pro bono (free) legal help lines which can give you direction: was this a breach of contract? Do I have a good case to go for an appeal of my social security disability denial? How do I file a tort claim against a state agency? My neighbor’s cat ate my canary, what can I do? Your state’s Bar Directory (often available online) may also include a rotating staff of volunteer attorneys, but remember that these groups select which cases they choose to take on. If your case involves suing a person or company for damages, most attorneys take these cases on for a % of the damages received, but they won’t take a case they don’t think they can win. If the amount is low, there may be a pro se small claims court
