Legal aid can help you get a free divorce if you meet certain income guidelines. Legal aid offices are non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford to hire a private attorney.
To qualify for free legal aid, you must meet certain income and asset guidelines. These guidelines vary from state to state, but they are generally based on the federal poverty guidelines. For example, in 2023, a family of three with a household income of less than $38,640 would likely qualify for free legal aid in most states.
If you meet the income guidelines, you will need to apply for legal aid services at a legal aid office in your area. The application process will involve providing information about your income, assets, and legal needs.
Here are some of the benefits of getting legal aid for your divorce:
You will save money: Legal aid offices provide free or low-cost legal services, so you will not have to pay a private attorney to represent you in your divorce.
You will get experienced legal advice: Legal aid attorneys are experienced in divorce law and can provide you with sound legal advice.
You will have your case represented in court: If your divorce goes to court, a legal aid attorney will represent you in court and advocate for your interests.
There are many ways legal aid offices help people going through a divorce. Here are just a few:
Providing legal information and advice: Legal aid offices can provide people with basic information about divorce, such as the grounds for divorce, the divorce process, and the rights and obligations of spouses. They can also answer specific questions about a person's individual situation.
Helping people understand their options: Legal aid offices can help people understand the different types of divorce, such as uncontested divorce, contested divorce, and collaborative divorce. They can also help people understand the different options for resolving issues such as child custody, child support, and property division.
Drafting and filing divorce papers: Legal aid offices can help people draft and file the necessary paperwork for a divorce. This includes the petition for divorce, the summons, and the final decree of divorce.
Representing people in court: Legal aid offices can represent people in court throughout the divorce process. This includes attending hearings, negotiating with the other spouse's attorney, and presenting evidence in court.
Providing mediation services: Legal aid offices can provide mediation services to help couples resolve their divorce disputes without going to court. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the couple reach an agreement on the terms of their divorce.
Helping people with post-divorce issues: Legal aid offices can help people with post-divorce issues such as modifying child custody or support orders, enforcing divorce orders, and collecting child support.
The specific services that a legal aid office can provide will vary depending on the office's resources and the individual's situation. However, all legal aid offices are committed to providing people with the legal help they need to get through a divorce fairly and affordably.
If you are considering a divorce, it is important to talk to an attorney to get legal advice. You can find a legal aid office in your area by visiting the website of the Legal Services Corporation.