Low cost legal services
When it comes to legal matters, it is always best that you get a lawyer to represent you, no matter what the matter is. This is because they have a good grip on the law and can therefore help you navigate through the process faster and more easily. Most people are deterred from getting a layer by the fear of the high costs involved. However, it is very possible to secure an affordable layer. Here are some of the ways in which you can get low-cost legal services.
Free Legal Help
If you are unable to totally afford a lawyer, you can hunt for free legal services. Here are some of the ways you can go about it:
Federally Funded Legal Aid Programs
There is usually a large number of legal aid programs that are supported through federal grants. Here, you will find lawyers that have been employed to offer free legal services to a subset of people. However, you have to meet some criteria. This involves both nature of the legal matter and your income level. You can reach out to your local legal office to find out whether you qualify. If you are unsure of where to find it, you can look it up online.
Local Pro Bono Program
You can also find free legal help through pro bono programs. This involves lawyers who are willing to work on your case without any charge. Such programs can be offered through some bar associations or private law firms that have pro bono departments. You will also find some nonprofit organizations that fully offer pro bono legal services. Still, you may need to meet some criteria for you to qualify. You look for pro bono programs in your area by searching online or through referrals from the legal aid office or other people.
Self Help Legal Clinic
Although it should not be a substitute for having a lawyer, you can try self-help legal clinics. These have been set in place to offer free legal advice on demand. Depending on the clinic, you can ask your questions in person or submit them online after which they will be answered by a lawyer or paralegal.
Payment Plans
Suitable payment plans are also an option when looking for low-cost legal services. This is especially if you are unable to get completely free legal help.
Sliding Fee Program
If your income falls under the moderate category and you cannot qualify for free legal help, you can get low-cost services from sliding fee programs. Here, a fee will be set to suit your ability. You can contact the bar association from your state to get a hold of such programs.
Agree on a Payment Plan with Your Lawyer
Ultimately, if you are unable to get the desired help from the above programs, you also have the option of working out a payment plan with your lawyer. This will lift the burden of you having to find the money to pay all the fees at once. Instead, you can agree to pay a certain amount every month until the bill is cleared.
