Legal Aid Services Explained
Legal aid services in Beckley, WV are provided by local non-profit organizations that help find legal solutions for a wide variety of issues. Legal aid services are provided without regard to race, religion, or national origin, and are open to any individual who needs assistance and cannot afford to pay legal fees. Many of the legal aid organizations in the area receive partial funding from the federal Legal Services Corporation. Beckley, WV falls under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Bar Association , which includes both a pro bono membership program and a volunteer lawyer program. Individuals with civil legal issues are placed with volunteer lawyers based on their type of case, willingness to assist, and location. The programs are optional, so not all members will participate. In addition to these services, legal aid services in Beckley, WV may also include general legal information for those with straightforward questions, helping individuals understand and prepare court forms, assisting people with administrative hearings and appeals and more.
FAQs about Legal Aid Eligibility in Beckley
To qualify for legal aid services in Beckley, applicants must generally meet income and asset criteria set forth by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC assists low-income individuals and families by providing funds to over 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs. These programs provide a variety of civil legal services and support to those who qualify. Those applying for legal aid must provide proof of their legal issue, as well as financial eligibility. Both are assessed by a staff member or volunteer during face-to-face and phone interviews. Individuals and families who qualify will be provided with services compatible with their needs and circumstances. Adults with a gross monthly household income of 125% or less of the current federal poverty guidelines are eligible for legal aid in Beckley. As of April 2019, these figures represent: With this in mind, the income and asset limits for the various programs include: Through the legal aid system, individual residents of Beckley may qualify for representation in family law, family violence, housing, domestic violence, consumer law, employment, public benefits, and other civil matters. Through funding from the LSC the State Bar of West Virginia provides representation to prominent non-profit organizations pro bono services via the following volunteer legal aid organizations: Other legal aid resources are also available through: Beckley residents can also turn to the West Virginia State Bar’s Karis program for access to free legal services. An expansive network of volunteer attorneys is the foundation of the Karis program. Any Beckley resident requesting a pro bono referral for a legal matter outside of the 10 listed above may be considered for assistance through this program. Referrals to other regional and county legal aid programs may also be possible for those 18 and older.
Top Legal Aid Organizations in Beckley
A solid selection of legal aid resources can offer vital assistance. Below is a list of the most significant ones available in Beckley:
West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADR)
The ADR is a state-operated organization providing sound information and guidance to elderly individuals or disabled persons. It’s a valuable first step in the process of obtaining benefits.
332 E. Main Street, Suite 201, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: 1-(877)-987-3646
Website: www.wvdhhr.org/aging
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Legal Aid helps low-income people obtain justice by working with them and their communities to address the root causes of poverty.
320 Main Street, Suite 100, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: 1-(866)-255-4370
Website: www.lawv.net
West Virginia Lawyer Referral Service (WVLRS)
WVLRS can put you in touch with one of more than 160 experienced West Virginia attorneys who have agreed to provide an initial, 30-minute reduced-rate consultation by phone for $25 or in-person for $30.
600 S. Eastern Ave., Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 553-7220
Website: www.wvlrs.com
Braman Law Office
Braman Law Office endeavors to provide comprehensive legal services in the areas of personal injury, bankruptcy, criminal law, divorces and business formation.
500 Johnstown Road, Suite C, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (304) 255-7197
Website: www.bramanlawoffice.com
How to Secure Legal Aid
The process of applying for legal aid can vary between states, and in West Virginia, the process does differ slightly. In West Virginia, residents may apply for legal aid online, over the phone and in-person. To apply online, you will need to visit http://www.lsservicenetwva.org to create an account and submit an application. When completing an application for legal services via an online portal, be sure that the computer you are using is secure and that you do not leave your screen unattended. If confidentiality is important in your situation, tap the "quick escape" button in the upper right corner if anyone walks into the room. If you do not have a computer, much less one that you feel comfortable with entering a relatively confidential application for services, you may prefer to one of the other three options for applying. Also, if you do not have internet access, you may NOT be able to use the online option for applying for legal aid in Beckley, WV. If you would prefer to apply for legal aid over the phone, you can call the East Regional Office of Legal Aid of West Virginia at 681-265-5291 to speak to an attorney or other legal aid staff on the phone to apply. You may also apply in-person at the East Regional Office which has offices and courthouses in Boone, Braxton, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas, Raleigh, Webster and Wyoming counties. To find the nearest location, contact Legal Aid of West Virginia on the main line at 304-343-3010 or toll-free nationwide at 1-866-255-4370. When you contact legal aid about getting help with a civil or criminal issue you are facing, you will need to have certain documentation ready, such as financial records, a list of all of your assets, and a clear description of your legal issue. Be sure to gather as much information as you can in advance of your application, to avoid the need for multiple calls or visits to the office. When you meet with a staff member or talk to them over the phone, you will complete some paperwork. The staff will then determine whether or not you will be able to receive legal aid services based on financial eligibility and whether the type of case you need assistance with is one that the law office can take on.
Cases Covered by Legal Aid
Legal aid services in Beckley, WV, across the state of West Virginia, and throughout the United States have the same purpose: to make sure that individuals are not unfairly denied their access to the legal system. Whilst every case is unique and every legal aid office has a different view of what cases it is willing to take on, some primary types of cases are covered throughout the country. One such area is family law, the most common form of law to be practiced across the United States. Legal aid agencies in Beckley or elsewhere in the state of West Virginia will typically help those who cannot afford representation in matters concerning child custody , abuse, divorce, and guardianship. Landlord-tenant issues are also very common in many areas where legal aid service offices are found. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, legal aid can often provide counsel and representation in cases involving rental agreements, eviction, and repairs. Consumer rights issues are covered by legal aid as well, including cases regarding debt collection, bankruptcy, and consumer violations. Additional areas of law that legal aid services may help you with include education law, health care law, welfare law, and tax law, among others.
Pros and Cons of Legal Aid
When seeking legal assistance, legal aid presents an invaluable resource for eligible individuals in Beckley, WV. This altruistic option is designed to support those who otherwise lack the necessary means to enlist the services of a private attorney. Legal aid programs provide their services free of charge or at a significantly reduced cost, ensuring that crucial legal representation is available to all, despite financial circumstances or immigration status.
One of the most remarkable advantages of legal aid is its strong commitment to making the law and its functions comprehensible and accessible to all. For individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of the legal field, this emphasis on education is essential in understanding their rights and responsibilities. Legal aid programs often host community outreach events, seminars, and informational sessions to help demystify the justice system and foster a better understanding of legal processes, practices, and procedures.
In addition to being affordable, legal aid is also incredibly convenient. Numerous legal aid programs have extended service hours, allowing clients to access assistance beyond traditional office hours. Low-cost clinics and other forms of community outreach are another common aspect of legal aid programs, helping to bring information and assistance directly to those who need them the most.
Despite all of its unique benefits, however, legal aid is not without its limitations. Even if there is an apparent problem, individuals may not always qualify for services or legal aid for their specific issue. Funding constraints and an overwhelming demand for legal service assistance are two common challenges legal aid programs encounter. Additionally, legal aid often focuses on specific issues such as housing, health care, public benefits, and family law, which may not touch upon the case or situation of each individual.
In cases where the legal aid eligibility requirements cannot be fulfilled, or where an individual seeks assistance for an issue not addressed by legal aid, it is essential to explore other options for legal assistance in Beckley, WV.
Client Testimonials and Case Studies
While the Internet is filled with stories, and Search Engine Optimization can help you connect with the people who are most looking for your services, sometimes a simple review from an individual about their experience may go the furthest in the community you serve. These are some testimonials we have been collecting about the law office of Betty Auslander.
T.J Bates
"Betty Auslander was my attorney for approximately 2 years. She is very personable and will go the extra mile to ensure her clients are well represented. Unfortunately, I was unable to continue to make my payments at that time so she had to drop my services. Even though, the circumstances my life took me in were hard on me, I will always remember the positive things that she did for me. She’s good at what she does and the moment you meet her you will like her!"
Wendy Bolo
"My case is ongoing, but so far Ms. Auslander has been terrific! She listens to everything I have to say and cares immensely about my well being. She is the first lawyer I have ever hired, and I know I am so lucky to get her. I bestow all of my trust in her."
Rebecca Keough
"The best person to help mend and get through a court system! highly recommend!"
Janet Kirk
"Thank you, Betty Aulersand!!! You’re great!"
Legal Aid in the Future
The future of legal aid in Beckley, WV is ultimately tied to the community that it serves. As long as the need for accessible legal services remains, the demand for legal aid will continue to exist. The question is, how can those services be improved and how can the community as a whole reinforce their crucial role in protecting the area’s most vulnerable residents?
Much like any other sector of society, the future of legal aid in Beckley will require collaboration and participation from various stakeholders in order to ensure that everyone has access to legal services. Legal aid services in Beckley, WV can be optimized to provide better access to justice for the marginalized and underserved populations, however, this requires partnership among private law firms, alumni, law school clinics, community organizations and state and federal agencies.
Legal aid authorities and non-profit agencies are already sending outreach programs into West Virginia schools to prepare young people for their future by teaching them about the principles of justice and the recognition of injustice , but there is plenty of room for further collaboration with the education sector.
In addition to outreach programs, legal aid groups in West Virginia have found ways to facilitate legal services to those who might otherwise not be able to afford them. For example, the Kanawha County Public Library recently formed a partnership with the West Virginia State Bar to offer daily legal aid clinics at its main library branch. Attorneys volunteer during these sessions, and the public can ask questions about a variety of topics, intellectual property, divorce, criminal charges, etc.
The services of legal aid are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community, aided by the contributions of regional legal entities and community organizations. As long as there is a demand for these services, they will continue to grow.