Last updated: September 27, 2013
Do you have a legal issue, but can’t afford to hire an attorney? There are many free or low-cost legal service options for El Dorado county residents. The main ways are through legal assistance programs such as the Colorado Legal Services, a nonprofit corporation providing free legal aid to low-income residents and seniors, or through the El Paso State Bar Association. There may be income limits that apply for you to qualify for free/low-cost help. Contact the specific agency to learn more. Below is a list of several organizations available to help you.
Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.
Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges.
Area of Law: Criminal and Civil
Good to Know: This is a free, confidential walk-in legal advice clinic from volunteer attorneys. Lawyers will answer the public's legal questions at this monthly event. The clinic is held at the Citadel Mall, adjacent to the upper level food court area near Guest Services.
Areas of Law: Criminal and Civil
Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys are available to answer basic legal questions via phone free of charge. Calls are strictly confidential. Call to find specific dates and times.
Areas of Law: Family law, Domestic Violence, Divorce, Custody, Guardianship,
Consumer/Debt problems, Housing, Issues for Seniors, including Living Wills, Medical Durable Powers of Attorney, Public Benefits, and Immigration.
Good to Know: CLS does not provide help with traffic or criminal cases. This office serves residents of the following counties: El Paso, Lincoln, Teller; Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Park. They also offer several clinics throughout the month including divorce, guardianship and conservatorship, and veteran’s issues.
Areas of Law: Criminal, Consumer, Family, and Probate
Good to Know: This is a legal referral service run by the State Bar. It is not a free legal aid program. They assist people whose income is too high to qualify for free legal services, but too low to pay a lawyer’s standard rate. You must fill out an application to see if you qualify.
Areas of Law: Civil, Family, Domestic Violence
Good to Know: This service is at the courthouse for self-represented parties. Litigant Coordinators answer questions, direct people to available forms, and provide information on a variety of court procedures. They do not provide legal advice, act as attorneys, or help fill out forms for clients.
Area of Law: Civil Rights, Employment, Housing, Public Benefits, Police Misconduct, and more.
Good to Know: Legal services are available to low-income African Americans and other minority groups.
Area of Law: Disability, Domestic Violence
Good to Know: This is a statewide legal service providing help to battered women and survivors who are disabled or who are victims of caregiver abuse. Call for intake procedures.
Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Family law
Good to Know: This is a free statewide legal service for victims of domestic violence. They offer legal services clinics one night a week. Attorneys do not provide in court representation.
Areas of Law: Divorce
Good to Know: This is a free divorce workshop for those who qualify based on income. You must be registered and prescreened. All screenings happen in person. No phone calls.
Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization
Good to Know: Services are by appointment only. Call to learn more.
Area of Law: Domestic Violence
Good to Know: This service walks clients through the restraining order process and accompanies them to court if they choose to seek a temporary or permanent restraining order against an abusive partner.
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