What is the Montana Legal Services Association?
The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is a federally and privately funded program that provides free legal assistance in civil cases to low-income people.
Our mission is to protect and enhance the civil legal rights of, and promote systemic change for, Montanans living in poverty.
What help can I find at MLSA?
- Legal advice and representation for clients,
- Referrals to pro bono attorneys and other providers,
- Self-help clinics,
- Self-help materials, and
- Education brochures, classes and workshops for Montana's low-income community.
To qualify for our services, applicants generally must have income of 125% or less of the federal poverty level and limited assets. You must also be a U.S. citizen or an eligible alien.
We never charge a fee for our services. However, you may have to pay court costs and filing fees.
What areas of law can I find information on?
- Landlord/tenant law,
- Social Security Disability and other public benefits,
- Family law,
- Domestic violence,
- Bankruptcy,
- Indian law,
- Migrant workers' legal issues,
- Consumer matters, and
- Housing discrimination and other civil rights.
What does MLSA not handle?
MLSA does not handle auto accidents, personal injury, business-related matters or any criminal cases (including traffic citations). MLSA usually does not accept ongoing cases for representation, such as changes to parenting plans or existing custody decrees.
How can I get help?
You can:
- Call the MLSA HelpLine to talk with an intake worker. The HelpLine number is 1 (800) 666-6899. The intake worker will ask you questions about your financial situation and what possessions you own (cars, houses, land). We must decide if you are eligible for our services.
OR
**********************************************
Montanan's Legal Needs
In 2004, many low to moderate-income Montanans took a survey about legal needs. The survey asked whether the people taking it had legal needs, what types of legal needs they had, and whether they got legal help. Afterwards, a report was made. The report, called "Legal Needs of Low-Income Households in Montana," was published in 2005. Please click here if you want to read the report. Or, if you want to read just a summary of the report, please click here.
|
