Note: The following questions are from applicants and clients throughout our five county service area and may not be relevant to all situations.
Will you be in court with me?
I understand it’s free, but is there a certain point I will or may have to pay?
Since you don’t take applications for my type of matter, and you are in the legal field, why can’t you refer me to directly a private attorney that you know is good?
Who is eligible for services?
Who will handle my case?
What is the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP)?
What if I qualify financially, but CLS doesn’t handle my type of case, or if I am not eligible for services?
Where can I get forms to make up my Will?
Where can I get a form to terminate someone’s parental rights?
How can I get my civil rights restored after I have been released from prison?
What types of cases do you take?
I don’t want to go through an eligibility screening or intake, I just have a quick question to ask.
“Will you be in court with me?”
CLS has funding priorities and regulations that limit the types of cases in which we are able to provide direct representation. If your case meets those funding criteria and regulations, and if we have the resources available, we will represent you in court or attempt to refer your case to a private attorney who will represent you at no cost. If your case does not qualify for direct representation, CLS will still provide you with legal advice and document preparation.
“I understand it’s free, but is there a certain point I will or may have to pay?”
Our services are free; but, in some cases where a fee deferral is initially granted, it is sometimes necessary to submit for further deferral of fees later (which will hopefully be granted) so you won’t have costs. In any case, your initial consultation will clarify any questions for you on costs, etc., that may be applicable to your particular matter.
“Since you don’t take applications for my type of matter, and you are in the legal field, why can’t you refer me to directly a private attorney that you know is good?”
We will provide you with the Maricopa County Lawyer Referral telephone number (602) 257-4434) as an option for seeking help. They will attempt to connect you with an experienced, insured, private attorney. CLS cannot make individual attorney referrals.
“Who is eligible for services?”
There are several eligibility requirements in order to receive legal services. A. person and his/her household must qualify based on the household income and assets. The Legal Services Corporation bases the standards on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Persons must have legal problems within our practice areas, and clients must be in the country legally. Additional criteria may apply.
“Who will handle my case?”
Community Legal Services has attorneys in each of its offices. Most legal service attorneys choose this area of practice (public interest law) because they want to provide important legal assistance and services for those in need. CLS also hires professional and experienced paralegals and legal secretaries. Trained and efficient intake workers help you through the eligibility process. An attorney may handle your case, or a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney may handle it. Each service unit is supervised by a managing attorney. Some cases are referred to our Volunteer Lawyers Project. As do all law firms, CLS staff maintains client confidentiality
“What is the Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP)?”
CLS and the Maricopa County Bar Association sponsor the VLP as a joint project. The VLP’s mission is to increase access to justice for people with low incomes. The VLP does this by increasing volunteer legal services through private attorneys. The VLP recruits and supports volunteer attorneys who provide representation, legal advice, and brief assistance to clients who are financially eligible for CLS, but cannot receive services through CLS because of its limited resources.
“What if I qualify financially, but CLS doesn’t handle my type of case, or if I am not eligible for services?”
CLS’ staff will attempt to refer you to the agency or program best suited to your needs. CLS may also provide you with printed materials. For more assistance you may call Community Information and Referral, a United Way Agency and a 24 hour helpline, at 602-263-8856 (www.cir.org) or, in Maricopa County, the Lawyers Referral Service, a program of the Maricopa County Bar Association, at 602-257-4434 (www.lawyerfinders.org).
“Where can I get forms to make up my Will?”
Forms are normally available at office supply, stationery and bookstores. However, you should always consider consulting an attorney before preparing a will.
“Where can I get a form to terminate someone’s parental rights?”
There is no form. You will have to see a private attorney.
“How can I get my civil rights restored after I have been released from prison?”
Please contact a private attorney for information.
“What types of cases do you take?”
Please see “Practice Areas’’ on this website.
“I don’t want to go through an eligibility screening or intake, I just have a quick question to ask.”
We are sorry, but we are unable to provide any legal services until we have determined you are eligible to receive service.
