Frequently Asked Questions

What is Legal Services of Eastern Michigan? (LSEM)
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit organization which provides legal assistance in civil matters (non-criminal) to eligible low income persons. LSEM serves 14 counties in the Eastern Michigan area: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Genesee, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair and Tuscola. LSEM does not charge for its services. However, you may be required to pay court costs if the court does not grant a waiver of those costs.

How Do I Qualify for Services?
You must meet LSEM's income and asset guidelines. In general, your income must be below 125% of the poverty guidelines (which are established by the federal government) in order to be eligible for services. Because the number of eligible persons far exceeds or staff resources, we cannot help every person who request assistance even if they meet the income and asset guidelines. Thus LSEM's Board of Directors has adopted priorities for deciding what types of cases LSEM will handle.

When Should I Contact LSEM?
If you have a legal problem or question it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you wait until the last minute it may be much more difficult to resolve your problem. In some cases you must take action within a certain time period, and if you fail to do so you will loose valuable legal rights. You should contact LSEM immediately if you receive any of the papers listed below.

Any court papers (such as Summons, Complaint, Notice of Hearing
Notice to Quit (Eviction)
Notice of Forfeiture or Foreclosure (Land Contract or Mortgage)
Notice of Denial, Cutoff, or Reduction or Public Benefits

How Will LSEM Decide Whether To Take My Case?
If you have a legal problem and you think you may be eligible for LSEM's services, you should call the office which serves the county where you live or use the 800 number to automatically be routed to the nearest office. You will be asked some questions about the nature of your case and your income, so we can determine whether you may be eligible for services. LSEM may be able to answer the questions over the phone if it does not require that we review documents. If we cannot answer questions over the phone, and if you are elibible, you will be scheduled for an appointment with an attorney or paralegal. In some instances, you will be required to attend a group workshop before you meet individually with an attorney or paralegal. If you are unable to come to LSEM's office because of a medical conditions, disability, or advance age, you should tell us this when you call for assistance so that we can make appropriate accommodations. After your interview, your case will be reviewed at LSEM's weekly case acceptance meeting. At this meeting the attorneys and paralegals review all new case to decide which cases can be accepted for service. The decisions are based on the program priorities, the merits of the case, and current caseloads. In some instances your case may be tentatively accepted pending further investigation.

What Types of Cases Does LSEM Handle?
The following list contains examples of the types of cases LSEM handles. In general LSEM focuses on "survival issues" - those which affect a person's ability to obtain the basic necessities of life or which affect fundamental interests.

PUBLIC BENEFITS PROBLEMS

Medicaid/Medicare
Family Independence Program (FIP)
Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability
Other assistance programs operated by the Family Independence Agency

HOUSING PROBLEMS

Evictions
Lockouts of Utility Shutoffs
Repair Problems in Rental Housing
Land Contract and Mortgage Problems
Discrimination Issues

FAMILY LAW PROBLEMS

Domestic Violence
Do It Yourself Divorce Clinics

EDUCATION

Vocational Education
Title I Program (for disadvantaged students)
Trade School Student Loans

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Removing barriers to employment (child care, transportation)
Unemployment Benefits
FIA Work Requirements
Assistance to individuals and groups on projects that will improve the quality of life for low income persons and assist them in becoming self-sufficient.

LSEM does not handle criminal cases, personal injury claims, tax matters, will, or probate of estates.

Where Can I Get Help If Legal Services Can't Take My Case?
If LSEM can't take your case, there are several other resources available to you for finding an attorney.

PRO BONO PROGRAM
LSEM, in cooperation with local bar association, has established a Pro Bono Program. The private attorneys who participate in this program volunteer to accept referrals from LSEM and not to charge for their services. Only persons who meet LSEM's income and asset guidelines can be considered for a referral to a Pro Bono Attorney. The Pro Bono Program also operates a Legal Advice Clinic in which private attorneys interview clients, give advice, and if the case requires further representation, attempts to find a private attorney willing to accept the case on a no fee basis.

LEGAL HOTLINE FOR OLDER MICHIGANIANS
This service offers free telephone advice for persons over age 60 and (depending on your income) pro bono or reduced fee referrals to private attorneys. 1-800-347-5297.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICES
Several local bar associations and the State Bar of Michigan operate a Lawyer Referral Service. The lawyer referral service will refer you to a private attorney who will give you an initial consultation for a nominal fee.

Genesee County Lawyer Referral
1-810-232-6000

State Bar Lawyer Referral
(for Counties with No Referral Service)
1-800-968-0738