Are you facing a legal issue in King County and worried about the cost of legal representation? The King County Bar Association (KCBA) Pro Bono Services is dedicated to connecting low-income residents with Free Legal Lawyer assistance. With a network of over 1400 volunteer attorneys, paralegals, law students, and community members, KCBA provides crucial legal support to those who need it most.
KCBA is committed to equal access to justice and does not discriminate based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, religion, national/ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. If you are eligible, KCBA offers a range of free legal services to help you navigate your legal challenges.
Types of Free Legal Services Offered
KCBA Pro Bono Services offers assistance in various legal areas. Here’s a breakdown of how you can access free legal aid through their programs:
General Legal Advice through Neighborhood Legal Clinics
Need quick legal advice? Neighborhood Legal Clinics provide free 30-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys. These clinics are located at 34 sites across King County and can help you understand if you have a legal problem, explore your options, and receive referrals to appropriate resources. Specialized clinics focus on areas like debt, bankruptcy, and family law. Keep in mind that Neighborhood Legal Clinics offer limited legal services and are not a substitute for ongoing legal representation in court.
Free Legal Help with Debt and Bankruptcy
If you are struggling with debt or considering bankruptcy, the Neighborhood Legal Clinics can connect you with attorneys specializing in these areas for free legal advice. These consultations can help you understand your rights and options when facing financial hardship.
Family Law Assistance from Free Lawyers
Navigating family law issues can be emotionally and financially draining. KCBA offers several programs providing free legal assistance from lawyers in family law matters:
- Domestic Violence Legal Advocacy Project (DV LEAD): Provides support to domestic violence survivors with low incomes who need help with protection orders or family law proceedings in King County.
- Kinship Care Solutions Project: Offers free legal advice and representation to relatives and other caregivers seeking guardianship of a child.
- Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care (LAARK): Provides phone-based free legal advice to kinship caregivers in Washington state regarding children in their care. Note that LAARK does not provide court representation.
- Neighborhood Legal Clinics: Offer free consultations with family law attorneys for general family law matters.
- Self Help-Plus Program: Assists clients with uncontested divorce cases, parenting plans, and child support matters where paternity is already established and agreement is reached.
Housing Legal Assistance for Tenants Facing Eviction
The Housing Justice Project provides free legal help from lawyers to eligible low-income tenants in King County who are facing eviction. Protecting your housing rights is crucial, and this project can offer vital support.
Vacating Criminal Records for a Fresh Start
The Records Project offers free legal services to help eligible individuals vacate criminal convictions in King County. This service is for those at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. Vacating a conviction removes it from public background checks, which can significantly improve opportunities for employment and housing.
Explore Additional Community Resources
For more information and resources beyond these specific legal areas, KCBA also provides a Community Resources Page.
By offering these diverse programs, KCBA Pro Bono Services ensures that low-income residents of King County have access to free legal lawyer assistance when they need it most. If you believe you may qualify for these services, explore the links provided and take the first step towards resolving your legal issue.
