Legal Aid in Norfolk, VA: An Overview
The legal aid system is a critical resource for low-income individuals and families in Norfolk, VA. Legal aid offers free legal services in civil cases to those with limited financial means within the area that the legal aid organization serves. Approximately 80% of low-income families do not have access to the legal services that they require to navigate the complex web of laws that govern citizens throughout the United States, and legal aid’s mission is to provide legal assistance to those community members who cannot afford an attorney.
The types of legal aid services available depend on the organization serving the area. The vast majority of legal aid organizations, like the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, focus on helping low-income families with matters of family law, housing, consumer law, and discrimination . Some organizations have expanded their roster of available services to include pre-litigation legal assistance through pro bono programs, limited-scope and unbundled services, online legal advice, and pro se assistance clinics.
Legal aid organizations often rely on volunteer attorneys to help fulfill part of their mission, but those volunteers wouldn’t be able to assist clients without the guidance of legal aid staff members. Paralegals, law clerks, social work staff, and client advocates all contribute to various aspects of what legal aid organizations do for low-income families, individuals, and the community at large.
How to Reach Legal Aid in Norfolk, VA
Legal aid services in Norfolk, VA are accessible by phone, in person, and through online applications. For immediate assistance, the local number is 757-222-1642, or toll-free at 1-866-LET-ALAW (1-866-538-2529). When you call, you will be greeted by a friendly receptionist who will warmly welcome you to legal aid. The receptionist will ask general questions and gather preliminary information from you.
The intake process is the first step in the eligibility process, and there are additional questions that must be addressed. You will learn whether or not you qualify for free legal help, based on your specific situation.
If you plan to visit legal aid in person, the office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you arrive at the office, you will receive the same warm greeting from the receptionist that you received over the phone. The receptionist will guide you through the intake process, which can be done over the phone or in the office. If you don’t have to meet in person, the receptionist will arrange for you to speak to a lawyer over the phone as soon as they are available.
The phone system at legal aid is relatively new and takes a little getting used to. When you call, you will hear a welcome message and will be granted access to several options. From the main menu, press "1" to access legal aid in Norfolk. Then you will have the option to press "2" to talk to a lawyer immediately, or press "3" to have someone contact you later.
Many clients prefer legal aid because they know what to expect. In most cases, if you qualify for assistance, you will be matched up with a lawyer from the Virginia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts program. This lawyer will offer advice, but cannot handle your case. If you need additional assistance, they will refer you to pro bono organizations in your area that can handle your case.
Applying for legal aid assistance can be done in person or online via a secure website. If you elect to apply for assistance online, you will log in and create an account. You will have to fill out an intake form, which provides an overview of your case and your financial status. A lawyer will look at your application, make a determination on whether you qualify for services, and could possibly schedule a phone conference after you submit an online application.
No matter how you apply for legal aid, your financial information is kept secure and confidential.
Legal Aid Services in Norfolk, VA
Legal aid programs sometimes referred to as a public defender or legal service corporation in other states, seek to provide legal assistance to those who cannot afford representation. They help with a host of civil, criminal, and family law issues. The types of civil legal aid services that are available in Norfolk range from eviction defense to guardianships and domestic issues. Legal aid in Norfolk also assists with consumer rights such as defending student loan cases or getting relief from foreclosure. Legal aid Norfolk VA is not the same as receiving free legal advice. While advice and assistance is certainly a component of the services offered, legal aid Norfolk provides pro bono representation in court, at hearings, and with filing of legal documents and motions. Some of the unique ways lawyers offer legal aid include criminal record repair services, mediation services, and self-help workshops that include how-to seminars for everything from handling credit card debt to filing a lawsuit. In most cases, services are offered at no charge, but be advised that this can vary depending on the severity of your problem. The only way to know what legal aid services may be available to you is to call and find out what is on offer. Even when you qualify for legal aid assistance, it is often the case that only very minimal legal advice is provided. For example, if you going through a contested divorce, you are unlikely to be assigned free counsel for your case. Instead, you may be offered workshops that provide guidance on how to prepare for your hearing and the types of documentation to gather.
Who Can Get Legal Aid in Norfolk, VA
Language in the Legal Aid in Norfolk VA article states you may qualify for help in a civil matter if you make under a certain dollar amount, have no assets or have no equity in your assets. It goes on to state that legal aid in Norfolk VA helps certain groups of people and that there are exceptions to certain rules.
Legal Aid of Virginia provides legal assistance to families and individuals who meet specific income guidelines. To determine your eligibility for legal aid, have this information available: your monthly household income, the number of people living in your home, and the value of your assets including cash, bank accounts, and property . As part of determining eligibility to receive free legal services, you will be asked to provide documents proving your income, household size and assets. This documentation may include paystubs, benefit letters, bank records and/or government issued identification.
Cases typically approved for assistance include:
Although these services are the type of legal assistance typically provided by legal aid, exceptions do exist. Legal aid services may be provided at no charge to eligible clients for other legal matters such as:
You can contact the nearest legal aid organization covering Norfolk, Virginia, by calling 757-461-3692, or toll-free at 1-866-LEGLAID (1-866-534-5243).
Common Questions About Legal Aid
How does someone apply for legal aid assistance?
We recommend that you contact your regional Virginia Legal Aid office through their state website. The website will direct you to the office appropriate to your location.
Will legal aid help with criminal matters?
Legal Aid generally does not provide services in criminal cases, however, you can visit the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission to locate free legal representation.
When should I expect assistance after I’ve applied for legal aid?
After you apply, the legal aid office will contact you within a few business days. Then it usually takes several weeks to determine eligibility. Once eligibility is established, there could be a wait time of several weeks to obtain help.
Will legal aid help me with Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings?
No, there is currently no legal aid that assists with bankruptcy matters for those who qualify.
Should I talk to an attorney first before contacting my legal aid office?
We recommend that all of our clients first consult with us to determine whether or not you are eligible for pro bono services. We can also review your case and refer you to an attorney otherwise.
Does having legal aid mean my case will be handled quickly?
Not always. But once you have been contacted by someone from a legal aid group, they will send you the paperwork necessary to sign up for your services. In that paperwork, the group will list for you a tentative timeline of how long you should expect your case to take. Of course, if the situation changes at any point, your lawyer should inform you of the new timeline.
What types of cases will legal aid take?
Each legal aid office throughout Virginia has a list of issues that they will and won’t handle. Common cases include an unstable home life or lack of insurance, and financial instability issues, such as divorce proceedings.
If legal aid won’t help, can I ask Virginia Legal Aid for help?
Virginia Legal Aid can only help you match up with the legal aid office appropriate to your legal matters.
Other Sources of Help in Norfolk, VA
In addition to the Norfolk Public Law Library, Norfolk, VA offers a number of other community resources for individuals seeking legal aid. The Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia provides free legal advice and representation to low-income clients in the region. Through its Pro Bono Program, volunteers from area law firms partner with the organization to provide free services to those who may not otherwise be able to afford an attorney. The Society also hosts workshops on various legal topics, helping to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
Another valuable resource for the Norfolk community is the United Way of South Hampton Roads. United Way, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, hosts regular legal clinics that provide free guidance and support to those in need. The clinics cover a variety of topics, including family law and estate planning, and are lead by local attorneys who volunteer their time to help those in need. Additionally , the organization is committed to fighting poverty in the community, and offers several initiatives designed to help lift families out of poverty and into financial stability.
Online resources are also available for those seeking legal aid in Norfolk, VA. Websites such as the Virginia State Bar (https://www.vsb.org/) and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office (https://www.oag.state.va.us/) provide a wealth of information on a variety of legal topics. Additionally, both organizations maintain a list of legal aid resources throughout the state, making them a great starting point for those looking for assistance.
Before contacting any organization for legal aid, be sure to have all the necessary paperwork in order. This means having any relevant documentation related to your case, as well as knowing what kind of help you require. Be sure to only contact organizations or individuals that you trust, and remember that real legal advice will never be offered over the phone or online.