Low Income Help for Divorces in Louisiana
Divorce can be a difficult time both emotionally and financially. For low-income Louisiana residents facing a divorce, finding legal help can be imperative. Paying for a private attorney, however, can be impossible for someone living on a fixed income. However, there are a number of resources in Louisiana for low-income residents considering a divorce. Information, advice and even representation may be available for those Louisiana residents who qualify.
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Legal Services
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Louisiana offers low-income legal representation for qualified applicants through legal services organizations. A legal services organization is a nonprofit entity that offers advice, information and representation to low-income residents for a variety of civil legal matters, including divorce. Each organization determines its own eligibility criteria, and there may be a waiting list to obtain representation for a divorce. For residents in northern Louisiana, contact Legal Services of North Louisiana at 800-826-9265 for the Shreveport office, 800-259-6591 for the Monroe office or 800-960-9109 for the Natchitoches office. Southern Louisiana residents may contact Southeastern Louisiana Legal Services at 800-310-7029.
Louisiana State Bar Association
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The Louisiana State Bar Association publishes a number of brochures that can help explain the divorce process as well as help answer questions regarding your rights to property, child custody and support. In addition, the association may be able to refer you to attorneys that are willing to take cases pro bono (free of cost). Most attorneys need to complete a certain number of hours each year in pro bono work, and the State Bar Association can generally direct you to attorneys who practice family law who may take your case free of charge. Brochures or referral services may be requested by calling 504-566-1600.
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Online Forms
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For a Louisiana resident that cannot afford an attorney and wishes to proceed pro se (self-represented), there are a number of places where official forms may be located. The LawHelp.org website offers links to specific court websites where official forms may be found as well as instructions and guidance on completing the forms (see Resources).
Law School Clinics
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Third-year law students may be certified to represent clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney in the state of Louisiana. As a result, law schools frequently offer clinics to allow the students to represent real clients under the guidance of law school professors. For example, Tulane University School of Law offers a civil law clinic that handles a limited number of divorce cases each year. Clients are generally referred by nonprofit organizations or courts. The law school may be reached by calling 504-865-5930.
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