Legal Aid in Denton County
Legal aid refers to the provision of legal assistance to those who are unable to afford an attorney. There are a variety of options available in Denton County, ranging from pro bono legal services to fully subsidized legal representation. Many organizations assist individuals in securing legal aid, giving specific guidance related to the kind of help that is available.
Testing has shown that most people who need legal assistance do not have the knowledge or skills to represent themselves, which contributes to low success rates that can be as low as 30 percent. Access to legal assistance therefore helps ensure fairness in the legal system by leveling the playing field for low-income residents .
Individuals who may qualify for legal assistance with civil cases include the elderly, military families, veterans and those with disabilities. Individuals of any age may benefit from legal assistance when encountering civil rights issues. Both children and adults may require legal aid to protect themselves from elder abuse. Caregivers for children and the elderly may also qualify.
There are many organizations that help individuals to obtain legal assistance. There are also free clinics and pro bono legal services that are available. The local bar associations frequently host legal aid clinics, and individuals may also be able to access free referrals to pro bono lawyers.
Who Qualifies for Legal Aid
The provision of legal aid in Denton County is not an all-comers program. As with legal aid in other parts of Texas and the United States, there are eligibility criteria that must be met. Income is certainly among them, but it’s not the only condition.
Legal aid in Denton County is intended to help low- and moderate-income individuals with civil legal issues, but financial limitations must be observed nonetheless. The federal government develops the income guidelines, which the state’s LSC-funded legal aid providers follow. This means that the income limits for getting legal aid in Denton County depend on the current federal poverty guidelines:
As of 2019, the poverty guidelines for households in Texas were:
For 1 person: $12,490
For 2 persons: $16,910
For 3 persons: $21,330
For 4 persons: $25,750
For 5 persons: $30,170
For 6 persons: $34,590
For 7 persons: $39,010
For 8 persons: $43,430
If your household has more or fewer members, check the federal poverty guidelines for poverty numbers that apply.
The upper limit for qualifying for aid from most civil legal aid organizations is 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. So, everyone below that figure qualifies for civil legal aid, and in some cases, those up to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify.
Also, you need to be a resident of Denton County. For CivTechs, it’s alphabetical. You don’t have to live in Denton City itself, just in Denton County.
A family can include parents and their children, spouses, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. Although unrelated people do not count toward this part of the requirement, related people who aren’t directly involved with the legal matter may need to be included when assessing the family income.
Legal Matters Covered by Legal Aid
Legal aid providers in Denton County handle a diverse range of legal issues, each requiring a unique approach and understanding. Family law is one of the most common areas where assistance is needed, due to the complexities inherent in Texas law. Cases involving child custody, child support, and divorce are typical examples. For anyone who cannot afford an attorney, getting through these emotionally challenging and complicated matters can be a Herculean task. Housing is another critical area where legal aid helps Denton County residents. Tenants dealing with evictions or unsafe living conditions can face significant challenges in asserting their rights, especially if they are unrepresented. Likewise, landlords may require assistance with lease agreements, terminating leases, or handling other residential property disputes. Consumer law issues are also frequently addressed by legal aid services. This may include a wide range of cases from credit card disputes and debt harassment to bankruptcy. Predatory lending, loan sharking, and collection harassment have been handled by advocates. Though bankruptcy cases are very specialized and strict in process, legal aid advocates frequently offer guidance on the procedures and requirements to pursue. Legal aid is not simply reserved for negatively resolved matters. Many clients are simply seeking guidance from a qualified legal professional. This could be in the formation of a small business, drafting a will or modifying a prior legal agreement. Legal aid agencies are well equipped to offer advice and assistance in regular, everyday legal matters that can have profound impact in the life of a citizen. As these are just a few common examples, legal issues in Denton County come in all forms and sizes. Whether you have been sued, need to sue someone, or just need legal advice, legal aid is here to help.
Applying for Legal Aid
In most cases, you can apply for legal aid services online by visiting the official website of the Texas Access to Justice foundation. There, you can review all programs and eligibility requirements and submit the application form electronically. You can also review legal material on self-representation on the site. You might choose to apply in person or by phone. To ask about either of these options, contact the Denton County Bar Association at (940) 566-0681. A trained representative will help you determine the best method to pursue. Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll have to fill out an initial application to be considered for availability of legal aid services. Your application will be reviewed by a volunteer member of the bar association or another legal professional, who will recommend the best program available for your needs. If none exists, a referral service will help you locate other types of assistance, or you may be referred to a different county.
Legal Aid Groups in the Area
Denton County offers a variety of resources for free and reduced-cost legal aid: Texas Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Denton offers low-cost cases in the North Texas area. Any artist or arts organization facing legal issues can apply for representation, based on financial need. All services are provided by licensed attorneys on a volunteer basis. They can be reached at (940) 320-7885. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas assists low-income residents in Denton County on a wide range of civil legal issues. Statewide, the organization fights for access to justice for the more than 4 million Texans eligible for its services . Legal Aid’s 18 offices across Texas help low-income residents through community education, brief legal advice and full representation in court when necessary. For more information, call (940) 383-5556. Rift Legal fights for the rights of the immigrant community in Denton County, Texas, through free business services, a pro bono program to meet the needs of low- to no-income immigrants, assistance for asylum-seekers and those in removal proceedings, and a range of other services. Rift Legal largely relies on volunteers and donations to support its work in the community. For information about getting involved or receiving services, call (940) 565-0500.
Other Options Besides Legal Aid
For those who do not qualify for legal aid in Denton County, other options for legal assistance are available. Though a family law lawyer that will take your case for free is rare, there are some alternatives.
Pro bono services: This is the best option for Denton County residents living below the federal poverty level or whose case qualifies as a "pro bono case" in a hybrid civil family law docket, the court will appoint a local attorney to your case who has agreed to volunteer their time. Practical guidance is provided in a handbook for attorneys who accept appointment and training from an experienced attorney who volunteers with Family Law Legal Clinics. Given the volume of cases that are filed in Denton County, the appointment of pro bono counsel in divorce cases is rare, but it does occur from time to time. An online application can be submitted to request consideration of appointment of pro bono counsel.
Legal clinics held by a local bar association’s Family Law Section. The Denton County Bar Association’s Family Law Section holds free monthly legal clinics for family law cases at the courthouse. These clinics are only open to residents of Denton County. A family law attorney who is familiar with issues families face in Denton County volunteers to answer questions. The coaching and assistance is provided in a group setting where everyone present has the opportunity to receive the same benefit. No attorneys have been specifically screened to guarantee that their guidance is correct and applicable to your case. Some suggestions to maximize your time at the clinic follow.
Make plans for your visit to the clinic by taking several steps ahead of your appointment: The Denton County Public Library also offers monthly legal clinics. The Denton County Public Library and the H.M. King Law Library partner together to help residents with brief legal questions. A TotalCare Nurse will be available in the H.M. King Law Library who can provide health care law information and a local attorney to review legal documents or help with legal-related questions. Houston Lawyer Referral Service operates the Lawyer Referral Information Service and can provide aging and disability clients with an attorney who can assist them with their legal needs for a reduced fee. Senior citizens are also offered a 50 percent discount.
Free legal advice is also provided through the local office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Worth. Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that supports local residents in need and assists more than 28,000 people each year through resources such as adoption services, a food pantry and First Offenders Alcohol Education Program. The Immigration Legal Services Program is a Sliding Fee scale affordable legal services for individuals looking for immigration legal services. The program gives priority to low-income individuals. Some of the areas covered include but are not limited to green card renewals and applications, permanent residence or adjustment of status, VAWA self-petitions for abused spouses, children and parents and petitions for naturalization. Inquire about fees when calling.
Legal Aid FAQs
*How long does it take to get a response to my initial call?
Legal aid may be able to provide immediate assistance, or refer you to a more lengthy process known as ‘intake’, which simply means speaking to an attorney who can help you. If an attorney is not immediately available, you will receive a phone call. That may take up to three business days.
*Is the information I provide to the attorney confidential?
What you tell an attorney for legal aid is confidential, and will never be shared with anyone who is not directly involved with your lawsuit.
*Is legal aid in Denton County free? What do I have to pay?
The fees for legal aid vary with each case , and the circumstances surrounding your need for help with legal matters. Additional information about the costs of legal aid in Denton, Texas, can be found on the Denton County legal aid website.
*How long will it take to resolve my case and when can I expect to go to trial?
Each case is unique, and not every lawsuit needs to go to trial to be resolved. The time frame of each case depends on the courthouse in which you will be filing for divorce, custody, etc. Some cases take months, while others can be resolved in a matter of weeks. Your case will, of course, depend on the accumulation of evidence, and whether any defense attorney is able to ‘stall for time’.
