THINGS TO KNOW:
• Eligibility: Most legal aid organizations have income eligibility requirements, typically based on federal poverty guidelines. Applicants may need to provide proof of income and other documentation to qualify for services.
• Appointment Requirements: Some organizations require an appointment, while others may offer walk-in services or phone consultations. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability.
• Specialized Services: Some legal aid organizations offer specialized services for veterans, seniors, victims of domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities.
PLACES TO GO:
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
• Location: 1610 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Description: Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida (CLSMF) provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in a variety of civil legal matters. Their services include help with family law, housing issues, consumer rights, public benefits, and more.
• Contact: (352) 629-0105
• Services Offered:
• Family Law: Assistance with divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases.
• Housing Law: Help with evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosure defense, and housing discrimination.
• Consumer Rights: Legal support for issues related to debt collection, bankruptcy, and unfair business practices.
• Public Benefits: Assistance with accessing government benefits such as Social Security, food stamps, and Medicaid.
• Elder Law: Legal services for seniors, including wills, powers of attorney, and elder abuse prevention.
Three Rivers Legal Services
• Location: 1000 NE 16th Ave, Building I, Suite 1, Gainesville, FL 32601 (Serving Marion County)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Description: Three Rivers Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in civil matters. They offer services in areas such as family law, housing, consumer issues, and public benefits.
• Contact: (866) 256-8091
• Services Offered:
• Family Law: Legal assistance with divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases.
• Housing Law: Help with eviction defense, landlord-tenant issues, and foreclosure prevention.
• Consumer Law: Support with debt collection, bankruptcy, and consumer fraud.
• Public Benefits: Assistance with applying for and maintaining government benefits.
Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (Serving Marion County)
• Location: 100 E Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32801 (Serving Marion County)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Description: The Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal services to low-income residents, including assistance with family law, housing issues, immigration, and more.
• Contact: (407) 841-8310
• Services Offered:
• Family Law: Legal assistance with matters such as divorce, custody, and protection orders.
• Housing Law: Help with eviction defense, foreclosure, and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Immigration Law: Assistance with visas, citizenship, and deportation defense.
• Consumer Law: Support for issues related to debt collection and consumer rights.
Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS)
• Location: 3210 Cleveland Ave, Suite 101, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (Serving Marion County)
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Description: Florida Rural Legal Services provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in rural areas, including Marion County. They focus on housing, employment, public benefits, and farmworker rights.
• Contact: (888) 582-3410
• Services Offered:
• Housing Law: Assistance with evictions, foreclosure defense, and housing discrimination.
• Employment Law: Support for workers facing discrimination, wage theft, and unfair labor practices.
• Public Benefits: Help with obtaining and maintaining government benefits such as unemployment, Social Security, and Medicaid.
• Farmworker Rights: Legal support for farmworkers regarding labor conditions, wages, and housing.
Marion County Clerk of Court - Self-Help Center
• Location: 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Description: The Self-Help Center at the Marion County Clerk of Court provides resources and guidance for individuals representing themselves in legal matters. While the center does not offer legal advice, it provides forms, instructions, and referrals to legal aid organizations.
• Contact: (352) 671-5610
• Services Offered:
• Legal Forms: Access to legal forms and instructions for various civil legal matters.
• Referrals: Referrals to legal aid organizations and other resources for those in need of legal representation.
• Self-Help Resources: Assistance with understanding court procedures and navigating the legal system.
University of Florida Levin College of Law - Pro Bono Program
• Location: 309 Village Dr, Gainesville, FL 32611 (Serving Marion County)
• Hours: Varies by program; contact for details.
• Description: The Pro Bono Program at the University of Florida Levin College of Law offers free legal services to low-income individuals in Marion County through student-led clinics and projects. Services are provided under the supervision of licensed attorneys.
• Contact: (352) 273-0800
• Services Offered:
• Family Law: Assistance with divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases.
• Housing Law: Help with eviction defense and landlord-tenant disputes.
• Immigration Law: Support with immigration issues, including visas and citizenship.
• Consumer Law: Assistance with debt collection, bankruptcy, and other consumer issues.