What is Legal Aid in Lynchburg?
Legal aid refers to the provision of legal assistance to low-income people who are unable to afford representation or access to other aspects of the judicial system. In the United States, legal aid is often provided by nonprofit legal service organizations and private donation-supported pro bono attorneys to help obtain a benefit or ensure fair processes are afforded in civil and domestic matters such as child custody, landlord/tenant disputes, and access to public benefits. In Lynchburg, VA, legal aid organizations fill this crucial role. The Legal Aid Society of Virginia originated in Richmond, VA, in 1967. While limited at first to private donations , the organization’s nonprofit model was set up to provide legal assistance to people who cannot afford it. Since then, the society has expanded to a statewide network of attorneys providing representation to low-income Virginians. Several of the society’s divisions, including the Roanoke legal aid office, have expanded in recent years with additional funding from state partnerships and commercial litigation settlements. There are six different divisions of the Legal Aid Society of Virginia serving families in need across the state, with offices in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Richmond, Harrisonburg, Petersburg and Portsmouth. The Lynchburg office is located on Candlers Mountain Road just off the 29 bypass.
Who Qualifies for Lynchburg Legal Aid Services?
Eligibility for legal aid in Lynchburg is determined by several key criteria. The range of services available is vast, and varies from free representation in certain legal matters to limited-scope consultations. However, all legal aid operates under the guiding principle that the client’s financial situation does not allow them to afford an attorney. Many organizations set income thresholds of 200% of the federal poverty line for eligibility. So, for example, as of 2017, a single person making $24,000 would not qualify. However, a person in a household drawing social security, disability or receiving government assistance might be eligible, even if their income is slightly higher than that figure.
A person must have a qualifying legal matter to benefit from legal aid programs. For example, a person seeking legal counsel for a personal injury case would not qualify under most legal aid services, which generally limit their area of practice to civil law. In addition to income and the existence of a legal problem for which their organization can provide assistance, residency is typically an issue. They differ as to whether they will accept clients from surrounding municipalities, such as Bedford, Louisa or Appomattox counties.
Managing an intake call is an essential step for the non-profit group providing civil legal aid for low-income individuals and families. When someone calls or walks into an office, the receptionist will determine if the organization will be able to help. A personal residence physical survey may also take place. Once determined that the legal problem qualifies and the organization has resources available, the client will be scheduled for an appointment with a local attorney, often for a limited representation.
What Types of Cases are Covered by Lynchburg Legal Aid?
The Lynchburg legal aid handles a variety of civil law cases, including family law disputes, housing issues, employment matters, and essential public benefits. Among the most common types of cases supported by Lynchburg legal aid services are the following:
Family Law Cases – Family law is a major area of focus for legal aid attorneys in Lynchburg as many clients experience civil legal problems in their lives revolving around family law such as divorce, separation, custody disputes, guardianships, protective orders and domestic violence. A typical Lynchburg legal aid client may seek help with filing a family law case or seek relief from the court.
Housing Cases – Clients may seek assistance from Lynchburg legal aid staff attorneys on a regular basis to resolve housing issues such as evictions, denial of public housing, lead poisoning, and improper landlord actions. One of the most common problems handled in Lynchburg is housing cases against landlords.
Employment Cases – Legal aid offices in Lynchburg see a large volume of employment claims against a wide variety of employers such as large employers like banks and financial institutions and grocery or big-box stores. Common claims that Lynchburg legal aid attorneys handle are wage and hour claims, wrongful termination or harassment claims.
Essential Public Benefits – Citizens seeking essential public benefits such as Social Security disability benefits, unemployment benefits, veteran’s benefits and others obtained through COV, federal government, or state programs also are assisted by legal aid attorneys.
How to Access Legal Aid in Lynchburg
Applying for legal aid in Lynchburg is a straightforward process, but can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the system. Generally, applicants must demonstrate financial need and a case that falls within the areas of law that the legal aid office specializes in. Assistance may be provided for new cases, or those already in progress, but each case will be assessed on its individual merits.
To apply for legal aid assistance, applicants can either apply online or visit their local legal aid office in person. When applying online, applicants will be required to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their legal issue, financial situation, and other relevant information. This information will then be reviewed by a legal professional who will decide if legal aid services will be provided. If approved, applicants will be given a referral to a qualified attorney or legal professional who can assist them with their case.
In person applications are also available at local legal aid offices, where applicants can meet directly with a representative to discuss their legal issue. A range of documents may be required to complete the application process, including financial records, case files, and other supporting documentation. A legal aid representative will provide guidance on what is needed and assist applicants in gathering the necessary paperwork.
The Advantages of Legal Aid Services
Eligibility for Lynchburg legal aid services can bring with it significant benefits. Many people who qualify for this type of help are living on a very tight budget. Being able to get the assistance they need without paying anything can ease a lot of financial pressure.
Legal aid services often help people who are dealing with major challenges in their lives, including divorce, domestic violence, child custody issues, and housing disputes, to name a few. The benefits of legal aid can even extend to those who are needing help with estate planning or wills. When people are facing huge issues in their life, being able to save money by getting these services from legal aid can let them focus on other important issues at hand.
When an attorney is paid and working for a profit , there’s more of a chance that they’ll push for settlement out of financial benefit and less of a chance that they’ll focus solely on the client’s needs. Legal aid advocates want to help their clients see the best possible outcome for their unique situation, and this may not always be what an attorney would recommend because it’s not what’s best for the attorney.
With a legal aid attorney, an individual has someone on their side who really wants to support them and is looking out for their best interests. That way, the end goal isn’t just to have a quick, inexpensive short-term solution to a pressing problem. The goal is long-term success and a better future.
In most cases, the value of this form of legal assistance far exceeds the costs of hiring a private attorney. This is why it’s so important to connect with a legal aid organization like Legal Aid of Virginia if you are looking for assistance.
Issues with Lynchburg Legal Aid
Like elsewhere in the country, Lynchburg legal aid providers face several challenges in delivering services to clients. These challenges are further compounded by limited funding and an immense caseload. Most Lynchburg residents who seek legal aid do not receive any services, which results in further inequality and injustice for those in need.
In 2015, Virginia legal aid programs turned away 36,950 people, the majority because of lack of funding. In Lynchburg, the three providers (Blue Ridge Legal Services, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, and the Virginia Legal Aid Society) turned away over 400 potential clients because they lacked funding or capacity to take on a new case.
Not only are there issues with limited funding, but the limited number of attorneys available to take on Lynchburg legal aid clients is alarming. On average in 2015, an attorney hired by a legal aid organization served over 15 times as many clients as an attorney in a local law firm.
While there is certainly an access to justice problem when it comes to legal aid in Lynchburg, the problem is not just limited the City of Lynchburg. The entire Fifth Supreme Judicial District and beyond often lacks sufficient access to justice. For example, a report filed in 2014 indicates there were only eight lawyers in Franklin County. Four of those lawyers were part-time, and only one of them provided family law services.
The problem can be seen even more broadly when looking at the entire state of Virginia. In 2015, Virginia legal aid programs helped more than 35,000 low-income people with civil legal issues. But, they turned away more than 36,000 people.
Local Lynchburg Resources and Legal Aid Alternatives
While Lynchburg Legal Aid is a wonderful resource to help the needy find the legal help they need, some people don’t qualify for this assistance. All hope is not lost.
Bliley Law offers flexible payment options to work with your current financial state. They fight for the rights of those in need. They are here to serve your legal needs and protect you during potentially tough times. They also offer a free consultation. An attorney will sit down with you and listen to you about your case. They will then explore all of your options.
Non-profit organizations and government programs in the area provide free or reduced-cost legal services. The following are some of the organizations and their contact information:
Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley, Inc.
Phone: 540-344-2088
Address: P.O. Box 2578, Roanoke, VA 24009
Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center
Phone: 865-637-2474
Address: 317 Civil Plaza, Suite 1823, Knoxville, TN 37902
Blue Ridge Legal Services
Phone: 540-234-8653
Address: 204 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Lexington Rockbridge Legal Aid Society
Phone: 540-462-2217
Address: 35 E. Nelson Street, Lexington, VA 24450
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
Phone: 434-528-4747
Address: 1119 S . Jefferson Street, 1st Floor, Suite 150, Suite 200A, Suite 200B, Suite 250, Suite 300, Suite 400, Suite 500B, Roanoke VA 24016
Virginia Legal Aid Society
Phone: 800-768-8845
Address: 1161 Blue Hills Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Junius F. Hawkins Foundation
Phone: 540-874-1196
Address: 1000 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Legal Aid of the Blue Ridge
Phone: 540-825-7077
Address: 1101 Sunset Drive, Suite 101, Culpeper VA 22701
Senior Legal Services
Phone: 800-552-5019
Address: 201 E. Franklin Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219
Washington & Lee University School of Law
Phone: 540-458-8427
Address: 204 East Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450
University of Virginia School of Law
Phone: 434-924-7345
Address: 580 Massie Road, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Other Non-Governmental Organizations
Community Housing Partners, Dogs Deserve Better Foundation, Down Home Virginia Alliance, Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April, Rockbridge Area Health Center, The Salvation Army, Virginia Poverty Law Center, Legal Services Corporation.
Please keep in mind that legal aid services come with limited income eligibility requirements.
