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And how to get help!

We support our low-income community members in their civil (non-criminal) legal problems in Clark County.

Read on to learn about how we do this, some of the types of legal problems we help with, and the best way to get help-depending on your need.

Legal Advice from Attorneys

Debt Defense & Bankruptcy

We are currently CLOSED to debt and bankruptcy cases. The following resources may still be able to help you:

Dollar For

Do you have medical debt? Did you know that if you went to a “nonprofit” hospital, you have a right to “Charity  Care”?

We partner with Portland-based nonprofit, Dollar For, to help you get rid of or reduce your medical debt from anywhere in the United States. Click the link below to answer some questions about your eligibility, and Dollar For may be able to help you clear that debt. 

Dollar For is a nonprofit that helps folks access and apply for charity care programs at nonprofit hospitals, which can reduce or completely eliminate medical debt for low-to-middle income patients. 

With Dollar For:

    1. You can check your eligibility and, if applicable, fill out a full service application on their website
    2. Dollar For cannot guarantee your bills will be waived (they are not part of the hospital)

See if you qualify

Upsolve

Upsolve is an online nonprofit tool called that helps you see if you may benefit from filing for bankruptcy and helps qualifying folks file for free or at a reduced cost. 

Please note:

  1. There are some fees associated with the filing process, but you can apply through Upsolve to have the cost reduced or waived entirely
  2. The website might look a tiny bit spammy (it’s very fancy and easy to use) and it asks you to create a login right away. We know this can be a red flag, but it is a way to make sure any personal information you enter is kept secure. We promise Upsolve is legit and secure.

If you don’t know what kind of help you need, or neither of the above options works for you, try one of the resource below.

CLEAR Hotline

CLEAR is a statewide hotline run by the Northwest Justice Project, where you can get some quick legal advice from an attorney. They can be tricky to get through to, as they help the whole state of Washington.

However, if you keep calling, hanging up, and calling back (like trying to win something off the radio) you will eventually be able to speak with someone, and either receive legal advice from an attorney, or be directed to someone who can help (if they cannot). 

1-888-201-1014 Monday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm

    1. You can apply online here: https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline.
    2. CLEAR also has specific lines to call for some populations: 
      1. For seniors: 1-888-387-7111
      2. For veterans: 1-855-657-8387
      3. For inmates: 206-382-1943

 

Washington Law Help

Washington Law Help is run by the Northwest Justice Project and is a really fantastic resource for multiple areas of law. Each topic has an informational section and FAQs, as well as the corresponding Washington state court forms (if applicable) that you can print right off the website.

There is a search feature to find information about your issue. If you’re having trouble finding something, give us a call (360-695-5313) and we will see if we can point you in the right direction.

https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

 

Navigate Free Legal Clinic

A law firm in Vancouver, WA puts on a free legal “clinic” every week. It is one way to receive free civil legal advice quickly.

This clinic happens by phone every Thursday evening.  Sign up for a 20 minute appointment with an attorney online, and the lawyer will call you at your appointment time.

Please note:

  1. This is not a recruitment ploy by this law firm, and they will not try to get you to pay them for services if you cannot afford them.
  2. It is a way for them to help the community as an entire law firm.
  3. This is advice-only, and not representation.

 

Apply at this link:

http://lawchat.navigatelawgroup.com/

We provide advice and some full representation to clients in the process of filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We do not provide services for Chapter 11 or 13.

We also give advice for anyone with credit card, medical, or other types of debt. Our attorneys will help determine if bankruptcy is the right option, or if something else can be done to reduce or eliminate the debt.

Get help with your debt today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Children First
With Department of Children, Youth and Families

Families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) sometimes need help with “Family Law” actions to keep their children safe. These might be divorce, parenting plans, protection orders or custody agreements. We partner with Department of Children, Youth and Families to guide these families through those family law actions.

Our lawyers do not give advice on any part of the case that may be prosecuted in court (ie: criminal or defending against CPS investigation). We may only help with non-criminal family law matters (ie: taking steps to help the child remain in or return to the home).

Contact your DCYF caseworker or call 360.993.7900 to get a referral. 

Criminal records (vacating)

We are currently CLOSED to criminal record vacating cases. The following resources may still be able to help you:

Portland Community College (PCC) Legal Resource Center

PCC Legal Resource Center provides free record expungement services to people with Oregon criminal records.  This includes helping you determine if your crime(s) is/are eligible to be expunged.

Find out More/Get Help:

1. Description of services
2. Link to complete an intake with the program

If you don’t know what kind of help you need, or neither of the above options works for you, try one of the resource below.

CLEAR Hotline

CLEAR is a statewide hotline run by the Northwest Justice Project, where you can get some quick legal advice from an attorney. They can be tricky to get through to, as they help the whole state of Washington.

However, if you keep calling, hanging up, and calling back (like trying to win something off the radio) you will eventually be able to speak with someone, and either receive legal advice from an attorney, or be directed to someone who can help (if they cannot). 

1-888-201-1014 Monday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm

    1. You can apply online here: https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline.
    2. CLEAR also has specific lines to call for some populations: 
      1. For seniors: 1-888-387-7111
      2. For veterans: 1-855-657-8387
      3. For inmates: 206-382-1943

 

Washington Law Help

Washington Law Help is run by the Northwest Justice Project and is a really fantastic resource for multiple areas of law. Each topic has an informational section and FAQs, as well as the corresponding Washington state court forms (if applicable) that you can print right off the website.

There is a search feature to find information about your issue. If you’re having trouble finding something, give us a call (360-695-5313) and we will see if we can point you in the right direction.

https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

 

Navigate Free Legal Clinic

A law firm in Vancouver, WA puts on a free legal “clinic” every week. It is one way to receive free civil legal advice quickly.

This clinic happens by phone every Thursday evening.  Sign up for a 20 minute appointment with an attorney online, and the lawyer will call you at your appointment time.

Please note:

  1. This is not a recruitment ploy by this law firm, and they will not try to get you to pay them for services if you cannot afford them.
  2. It is a way for them to help the community as an entire law firm.
  3. This is advice-only, and not representation.

 

Apply at this link:

http://lawchat.navigatelawgroup.com/

A criminal record can be a barrier to housing, employment, and moving out of poverty. In Washington state, many crimes may be “vacated” or “expunged”, but this take the client (or defendent) starting the process.

Our attorneys review a client’s criminal record to see if the type of crime is one that can be vacated, and if all other requirements have been met (wait-time and fines paid off). If so, we provide the paperwork and directions to vacate these records.

Get help with your criminal record today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Domestic violence & SUrvivor Support
With YWCA Clark County

We partner with the YWCA SafeChoice Domestic Violence Program to provide legal services for survivors of domestic violence. Anyone who has experienced domestic violence and now has legal issues as a result can meet with a specially trained attorney in a safe space.

Contact your advocate at YWCA or call 360.696.0167 to get a referral.  (Se habla español)

Early Parenthood

For youth experiencing early parenthood (have had a child or are currently expecting one before the age of 21). Our attorneys meet with them in the office or at their school to offer legal advice (group and 1-on-1) on rights, responsibilities, and resources of parents in Clark County.

Learn about your rights today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Elder Law / Wills & Estates

We are currently CLOSED to elder law, wills, and estate planning cases. The following resources may still be able to help you:

Dementia Legal Planning

**Not just for those with dementia**

This is a free program run by the Washington State Pro Bono Council, which helps people with wills, advanced directives, and powers of attorney. They use volunteer lawyers, just like us!

They help:

  1.  People who are 60+ years old (with or without dementia)
  2. People living with dementia of any age
  3. Those under 60 with a family history of dementia

 

Get started by:

  1. Calling 425-780-5589
  2. Going to their website: https://dementialegalplanning.org/

Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities

Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities is a public agency that provides support to older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in SW Washington.

Contact Them:

  1. Call: 360-735-5720
  2. Contact them through their website: https://www.helpingelders.org/contact-us

 

What they help with (or can connect you to):

  1. Medicaid and non-Medicaid case management and in-home care
  2. Support for older adults (55+)
  3. Family Caregiver Support Program
  4. Nutrition 
  5. Legal services
  6. Transportation

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)

SHIBA is part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioners. It provides free and confidential help with Medicare and health care choices, through volunteers, and is available to people of all ages.

Call them at: 360-735-5720

Their volunteers can help you: 

  1. Assess health care coverage needs
  2. Determine general eligibility for health care coverage programs
  3. Evaluate and compare Medicare plans and programs
  4. Provide enrollment help with Medicare
  5. Speak with the Medicare hotline on the your behalf
  6. Make referrals to other agencies and programs
  7. Collect and report possible Medicare fraud complaints

If you don’t know what kind of help you need, or none of the above options works for you, try one of the resource below.

CLEAR Hotline

CLEAR is a statewide hotline run by the Northwest Justice Project, where you can get some quick legal advice from an attorney. They can be tricky to get through to, as they help the whole state of Washington.

However, if you keep calling, hanging up, and calling back (like trying to win something off the radio) you will eventually be able to speak with someone, and either receive legal advice from an attorney, or be directed to someone who can help (if they cannot). 

1-888-201-1014 Monday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm

    1. You can apply online here: https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline.
    2. CLEAR also has specific lines to call for some populations: 
      1. For seniors: 1-888-387-7111
      2. For veterans: 1-855-657-8387
      3. For inmates: 206-382-1943

Washington Law Help

Washington Law Help is run by the Northwest Justice Project and is a really fantastic resource for multiple areas of law. Each topic has an informational section and FAQs, as well as the corresponding Washington state court forms (if applicable) that you can print right off the website.

There is a search feature to find information about your issue. If you’re having trouble finding something, give us a call (360-695-5313) and we will see if we can point you in the right direction.

https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

Navigate Free Legal Clinic

A law firm in Vancouver, WA puts on a free legal “clinic” every week. It is one way to receive free civil legal advice quickly.

This clinic happens by phone every Thursday evening.  Sign up for a 20 minute appointment with an attorney online, and the lawyer will call you at your appointment time.

Please note:

  1. This is not a recruitment ploy by this law firm, and they will not try to get you to pay them for services if you cannot afford them.
  2. It is a way for them to help the community as an entire law firm.
  3. This is advice-only, and not representation.

Apply at this link:

http://lawchat.navigatelawgroup.com/

This program serves aged clients with multiple legal problems at the same time, or with legal concerns that are made worse because of their age. 

This also includes clients whose life experiences have led them to encounter legal concerns typical of seniors. Rather than require aged clients to seek advice in each program based on area of law, attorneys in this program address a wide range of concerns (Family Law, Contracts, Debt, Financial Abuse, Housing, etc.). 

We also provide traditional advice in Wills, Estate Plans, Powers of Attorney, Advanced Directives, etc. regardless of age.

Get help today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Employment law

We are currently CLOSED to employment law cases. If you have a deadline or a scheduled court date, you may still call us for help connecting to other resources.

Employment-related legal problems may include:

  • Wrongful Termination
  • Discrimination, Retaliation, or Harassment
  • Wage and Hour Disputes
  • Fair and Safe Workplaces
  • Unemployment Benefits (Denials and Appeals)

Learn about your employment rights today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Family Law

We provide advice and assistance to clients with family law needs. These include:

  • Divorce
  • Custody
  • Parenting plans
  • Minor Guardianship (Non-parental custody)

Get help today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Financial Forgiveness

We are currently CLOSED to financial forgiveness/court debt cases. You may still call us for help connecting to other resources.

We facilitate discharge (getting rid) of fines and fees through Clark County district court. We work directly with the judge on the client’s behalf, using a financial declaration. This program can restore drivers licenses and remove most or all legal financial obligations (court fines).

 

We also help with the paperwork and process of Clark County superior court fines, even though the process is a little different.

Get help with your court fines today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

General Law

We are currently CLOSED to general law (contracts, consumer protection, general civil rights, etc.). The following resources may still be able to help you:

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW)

If you are a victim of a crime, LCSNW provides free confidential advocacy and information. Examples include identity theft, robbery, homicide, fraud, etc.

Their crime victim advocates will also help you get connected with other resources you may need, beyond those specific to the crime committed against you (i.e. access to resources for housing, food, legal services, insurance, etc.).

Walk In: 3600 Main St Suite 200 Vancouver, WA 98663

Open Mon-Thurs 8:30am – 5:00pm, Fri 8:30am – 2:30pm

Call: 360-694-5624

See their website: https://lcsnw.org/program/crime-victim-service-center/

If you don’t know what kind of help you need, or neither of the above options works for you, try one of the resource below.

CLEAR Hotline

CLEAR is a statewide hotline run by the Northwest Justice Project, where you can get some quick legal advice from an attorney. They can be tricky to get through to, as they help the whole state of Washington.

However, if you keep calling, hanging up, and calling back (like trying to win something off the radio) you will eventually be able to speak with someone, and either receive legal advice from an attorney, or be directed to someone who can help (if they cannot). 

1-888-201-1014 Monday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm

    1. You can apply online here: https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline.
    2. CLEAR also has specific lines to call for some populations: 
      1. For seniors: 1-888-387-7111
      2. For veterans: 1-855-657-8387
      3. For inmates: 206-382-1943

 

Washington Law Help

Washington Law Help is run by the Northwest Justice Project and is a really fantastic resource for multiple areas of law. Each topic has an informational section and FAQs, as well as the corresponding Washington state court forms (if applicable) that you can print right off the website.

There is a search feature to find information about your issue. If you’re having trouble finding something, give us a call (360-695-5313) and we will see if we can point you in the right direction.

https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

 

Navigate Free Legal Clinic

A law firm in Vancouver, WA puts on a free legal “clinic” every week. It is one way to receive free civil legal advice quickly.

This clinic happens by phone every Thursday evening.  Sign up for a 20 minute appointment with an attorney online, and the lawyer will call you at your appointment time.

Please note:

  1. This is not a recruitment ploy by this law firm, and they will not try to get you to pay them for services if you cannot afford them.
  2. It is a way for them to help the community as an entire law firm.
  3. This is advice-only, and not representation.

 

Apply at this link:

http://lawchat.navigatelawgroup.com/

The Moderate Means Program

The Moderate Means program is a partnership between the Washington State Bar Association and the law schools of Gonzaga University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington. 

The Moderate Means Program connects moderate-income clients (with a household income between 200% – 400% of the federal poverty level) with a family, housing, consumer, or unemployment legal issue with legal professionals willing to represent them at a reduced rate.

Please note The Moderate Means Program does not provide free legal services. It is not able to handle urgent legal needs as the intake and referral process may take some time. 

This program can provide sliding scale or reduced rate services that allow people to retain an attorney who can represent them in court. Our services, Navigate Legal Clinic, and CLEAR do not provide representation.

Learn More

Apply Online

Call: 855-741-6930

Southwest Washington Lawyer Referral (SWLR)

The Southwest Washington Lawyer Referral is an organization sponsored by the Clark County Bar Association. The SWLR provides referrals to attorneys who’ve agreed to provide an initial half hour consultation and not charge more than $125.00.  

Note: While the attorneys do provide reduced cost consultations, they do not provide pro-bono or free legal services. 

Contact Them

Phone: (360) 695-0599

Email: LRS@ccbawashington.org

General Law includes all areas of civil (not criminal) legal needs that don’t fit into another category. This may be help with:

  • Contracts
  • Getting a security deposit back
  • Or more traditional “consumer protection” needs

Get help with your general law needs today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Guardianship (Lay)

This is a program for lay people (not-professionals) serving as guardians of people with disabilities that are physical, mental health, age-related, or who have neurological capacity concerns. 

Guardians must be non-professional, but may be in any stage of the process (including not yet appointed by the court). Our attorneys help guardians establish or maintain a lay guardianship.

Get help with your lay guardianship today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

immigration

Our volunteer attorneys provide advice to people on their immigration-related legal needs. We advise the person seeking to change their own immigration status or the person petitioning to change someone’s status (i.e. a spouse or a child). Types of legal issues we advise on are:

  • Asylum petitions
  • VAWA/VOCA Petitions, U (Crime Victim) Visas and T (Trafficking) Visas
  • Permanent Residency and Naturalization
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
  • Family Based Petitions
 
We do not provide deportation defense or represent people in deportation proceedings

Get help preparing for court today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

Housing (Landlord/Tenant) Law Services

housing justice project

Housing Justice cases include landlord/tenant disputes, tenant discrimination, or any issue that prevents a client from being safely and fairly housed. These do not include active evictions. For those, call our “Eviction Defense” program at 360-356-7872. 

Our attorneys provide advice during clinic appointments and may provide additional assistance working with your landlord (through demand letters, mediation, etc.).

We do not provide financial help with rent.

Get help with your tenant law questions today by calling 360.334.4007.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

eviction defense

All low income tenants in the state of Washington have the right to full representation in their eviction. Our Eviction Defense team is appointed by the court to represent Clark County and Skamania County tenants in these matters. If you have received a “summons” (this is a court document), call us right away.

See if you qualify for representation by calling us at 360-356-7872. (Nosotros hablamos español)

Non-Attorney Supportive Services (Not Legal Advice)

Court navigation

Our Court Navigators, who are not attorneys, help people physically navigate the courthouse, the court process, and the resources available to them. Some examples include:

·       Providing a tour of the courthouse, to show you where the various courts and offices are (like Translation Services, the Law Library, the Info Desk, the Court Administration office, etc.).  Ideally, this would happen before you have to be there for a court date.

·       Going with you to the clerk’s office when you are ready to file paperwork.

 

·       Attending hearings and court dockets (in person or on Zoom) to provide emotional support, as well as to write down their observations.

Connect with a Court Navigator by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

courtroom readiness

Our courtroom readiness specialist, who is not an attorney, helps people prepare to go to court by themselves. This includes:

  • Helping to identify your specific challenges when in court or meeting with a CCVLP volunteer lawyer

     

    ·       Discussing ways to stay centered and grounded in either situation

    ·       Providing some ways to reduce the effects of prior trauma and/or emotional triggers in court

    ·         Supporting you in being more present in the moment, so you are less likely to miss what a judge or a lawyer is saying.

Get help preparing for court today by calling 360.695.5313.  (Nosotros hablamos español)

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Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program is a private nonprofit exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; Tax ID 91-1477518 and not a governmental agency.

Copyright © 2023 Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program
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