Charleston Pro Bono offers legal training and volunteer opportunities to educate law students about the needs of the low-income community while providing hands-on experience and education. Last year, regional organizations on aging spent approximately $330,000 to fund legal services for HC`s most vulnerable population. Our service provider handled 1,160 legal files in eleven (11) priority areas. The success of the program is not measured in dollars, but by the impact we have on people`s lives every day. Examples of the positive impact of this program can be found below. This information has been created to give you general information about the law. It is not legal advice on a particular issue. If you have any questions about the law, you should consult a lawyer. If you don`t know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The number is 799-7100 in Richland or Lexington counties and 1-800-868-2284 in other parts of the state. A client was facing the loss of his home due to a mortgage foreclosure caused by a tax error at the county assessor`s office. Thanks to legal assistance, the error has been corrected, the mortgage has been updated and the monthly payments are now at the right amount so that the client can maintain his own home. The Department is actively engaged in establishing partnerships with entities that can provide legal assistance in accordance with the principles of law and regulation set forth in the Older Americans Act, the Legal Services Corporation Act and regulations made pursuant to those Acts. If you are a service provider seeking training or legal services, please contact us at 1-800-868-9095. Under Title III-B of the Seniors Act, the South Carolina Department of Aging funds the provision of legal aid through the various regional aging agencies throughout the state. Legal assistance means legal advice and representation. In South Carolina, this assistance must be provided by an attorney.
Help us continue to provide basic legal services and do it today! Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services provides eligible low-income residents of Charleston County with civil legal assistance at no cost to clients. We are able to do this through various state and foundation grants, in addition to the incredible support of the Charleston legal community. A long-term care insurance policy denied coverage to a person, alleging that the person had exhausted their benefits. Legal Assistance concluded that the wording of the policy was inconsistent and included a provision that total benefits were 2190 days (six years), while other articles indicated three years. After receiving a letter of claim and various legal actions, the company negotiated a settlement and the client agreed to another year of coverage. The South Carolina Department of Aging has long-standing partnerships with the SC Bar and SC Bar Pro Bono Program, the Access to Justice Commission, SC Legal Services, and other agencies (governmental or otherwise) that can provide legal representation to the target audience. Non-criminal legal services for individuals who cannot afford a private lawyer are provided by SC Legal Services. Some of the types of legal services that may be available include: evictions, bankruptcies, health issues, education, mortgage foreclosures, Social Security disability, employment issues, some limited divorce and custody issues, food stamps, and social issues. Legal Services programs do not deal with criminal matters; If you have questions about criminal law, see Public Defence Services.
Income, family size and special financial needs are taken into account in determining whether a person is eligible for legal aid. Legal services are free for eligible low-income individuals, but clients are required to pay court fees where possible. An older person who was the victim of domestic violence by her husband obtained a 90-day injunction from the family court and was ordered by the family court to file a divorce or separation action for additional protection. Using the Title III-B legal program, the legal provider filed a complaint with the family court for the older person before the protection order expired within 90 days. With this assistance, the client was protected from further violence and was given full use and ownership of the marital home and a transportation vehicle. Without free legal advice, many families are at risk of being illegally evicted, many parents will be denied access or custody of their children, and many people with disabilities will not be able to access the services they need for food and shelter. Our services promote the stability of homes and families. Through the support and active engagement of local volunteer advocates, Charleston Pro Bono provides legal services that meet the basic needs of Charleston`s low-income communities and help children, families, and individuals. We are truly an organization for the community, through the community. The SC Bar is instrumental in providing volunteer advocates in various parts of the state for education, voluntary clinics, and “Ask A Lawyer” programs that target the elderly population or are suitable for caregivers. Please contact them at (803) 799-6653 to find out how you can get involved in ensuring seniors get the legal services they need free of charge. Some legal issues require the special legal knowledge of a lawyer or to appear in court.
Charleston Pro Bono connects low-income clients with private lawyers in the community who work pro bono to ensure that the doors of justice are open to everyone, regardless of income. A client was denied Social Security retirement because the name on his Social Security card did not match the name on his birth certificate. Under the Title III-B legal program, the client could change their name and receive an amended birth certificate so that they matched their Social Security card and could then receive their retirement benefits. Legal aid may be provided to older persons (60 years and older) in the State who have the greatest economic or social needs (with special attention to elderly persons belonging to low-income minorities, elderly persons with limited English skills, and elderly persons in rural areas). To find out if you qualify for assistance from SC Legal Services, call the Legal Aid Telephone Intake Service (LATIS) at 803-744-9430 in Richland or Lexington counties or 1-888-346-5592 in other areas of the state.
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