What is Legal Aid
Legal aid is a crucial part of the legal system that provides individuals with the resources and assistance they need to navigate the complex legal landscape. It is typically provided by nonprofit organizations or legal aid societies, aimed at people who cannot afford to pay for legal representation. Legal aid organizations may provide a range of services, from legal advice and education to pro bono representation in court.
The purpose of legal aid is to ensure that access to justice is available to all, regardless of an individual’s income. Legal aid is especially important for low-income individuals, who may not have the resources to secure legal representation in case of a legal dispute . Legal aid organizations are designed to offer support, guidance, and representation to those who cannot afford attorney fees or court costs.
In Santa Cruz County, legal aid services are available to help eligible community members navigate the legal system. The Santa Cruz County Bar Association is one such organization that offers legal aid to those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation when necessary. By connecting clients with pro bono lawyers, legal aid helps ensure that individuals can navigate their legal situations without having to face significant financial hardship.
Legal Aid Providers in Santa Cruz County
In addition to state-funded programs, Santa Cruz County residents have access to six different legal aid organizations that each specialize in particular areas of law. The following is a brief overview of each organization.
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation (CRLAF) Many vulnerable groups in California can find assistance from the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. This nonprofit organization provides assistance to low income and immigrant communities through legal services, outreach, education, and advocacy. Residents of both Santa Cruz County and San Benito County can receive services from CRLAF.
California Indian Legal Services (CILS) California Indian Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that provides legal aid and representation to low-income Native Americans. Their services are limited to enrolled tribal members in the following counties: Alameda, Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Trinity. Legal services include advice, full representation, and referrals on matters that affect Native rights and services.
CRLA, Inc. The Community Legal Services in the Santa Cruz Mountains provides free legal and mediation services to residents of Santa Cruz County, as well as parts of Santa Clara County. CLLS focuses on family law, housing, personal injury, wrongful death, elder abuse, and complex medical malpractice case. These services are available to individuals regardless of citizenship status.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is a nonprofit public interest law firm that provides legal services to low-income children, families, and individuals in Silicon Valley. The organization offers a range of services, including family law, housing law, immigration law, and consumer law. The Law Foundation offers its services to individuals in Santa Clara County, but can provide referrals and legal clinics and workshops to residents of other counties.
Legal Services for Seniors (LSS) Since 1979, Legal Services for Seniors has worked to help low income seniors in Northern California. LSS focuses on providing legal services to seniors who have been targets of fraud, financial abuse, and exploitation. With the motto "Prevent. Protect. Empower.", LSS works with the elderly in order to help them avoid scams and assist them in fighting against exploitation.
Project SCOUT The Seaside Charity Organization of United Protestant-Congregational Churches of Santa Cruz County presents Project SCOUT. SCOUT provides legal information, advice, and direct representation to low income residents of Santa Cruz County in order to restore the quality of life for low income residents. Legal services are focused on matters that affect basic needs, such as housing, government benefits, domestic violence, guardianship, public benefits, and estate planning. Services are provided by law students, community volunteers, staff attorneys, and private attorneys.
Qualifying for Free Legal Aid
Legal aid is designed to provide crucial assistance to individuals who might otherwise struggle to represent themselves in legal matters. In Santa Cruz County, eligibility for these services is generally based on income level and the type of legal matter at hand.
Income Limitations
In order to qualify for free or reduced-fee legal services in Santa Cruz County, you must fall below the federal poverty line, which is set each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As of 2018, the federal poverty line numbers are as follows:
One-person household: $12,140
Two-person household: $16,460
Three-person household: $20,780
Four-person household: $25,100
Five-person household: $29,420
Six-person household: $33,740
Seven-person household: $38,060
Eight-person household: $42,380
Each additional person in the household beyond eight: +$4,320
The above numbers are updated each year; check the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website for the most current numbers.
Specific Qualifications
Income alone cannot determine eligibility for legal aid. You must also fulfill specific qualifications that take into account your particular case type and circumstances. Generally speaking, priority is given to the following groups, in no particular order:
Types of Cases
Legal aid agencies may not handle every type of case—in fact, many provide assistance only in areas such as family law, employment issues, detention defense, housing, guardianship, immigration and consumer law. Even if you meet all other eligibility requirements, you may not qualify for assistance with your particular legal issue.
Cases Covered by Legal Aid
While each legal aid organization might have its specific focus and areas of specialization, California legal aid socities typically handle cases in the following areas:
Housing: Illegal eviction suits, landlord-tenant disputes, subsidies, and public housing.
Family Law: Child custody, alimony, abuse and neglect, and not having enough money for a divorce.
Special Needs: Disability issues, mental illness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, violence, abuse, or neglect.
Guardianships: Issues involving custody and guardianship of children.
Immigration: Green cards, citizenship, visas, etc .
Pensions and Social Security: Rights concerning pensions and social security courts for people with disabilities.
Employment: Wage and hour cases, overtime laws, discrimination and termination lawsuits.
Consumer problems: Debts, bankruptcy, collections, fraud, and hoaxes.
Probate: Wills, estates, and trusts.
Students’ rights: Financial aid, termination, and other issues involving school.
Health care: Insurance, patient rights, medical records, and coverage issues.
Individual complaints: Complaints against the police and other governmental entities.
Pro bono lawyers often donate their time to assist people who need help and cannot afford it.
How to Qualify and Ask for Legal Aid
Navigating the legal aid system can be a complex process, but the effort can lead to invaluable assistance for those who qualify. In this section, we outline the steps you need to take to apply for legal aid in Santa Cruz County, including necessary documentation and tips for dealing with the legal aid system.
Start by contacting the legal aid provider of your choice to obtain an application. This can usually be done online, or by calling their office directly. If you are homeless or cannot make a call, visit their office in person to ask for an application. If you do not have access to the internet or a phone, most libraries will provide free access to both.
Fill out the application form thoroughly. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also be asked about your household size, income, expenses, and assets. You may also have to identify the legal issue that is prompting you to seek assistance. For example, is it a divorce, domestic violence, landlord-tenant, or another type of problem? When you contact the organization to request an application form, make sure to ask if there are any additional documents you will have to send along with the application. These may include verification of your income, list of your household members, and any other documents that will help verify your need for legal assistance.
Submit your application. Check with the legal aid provider on how they want you to submit your application. If you do not complete the process to their satisfaction, you will not be placed on the waiting list.
Once you are placed on their waiting list, be patient. Even if the legal aid provider deems you to be eligible, it may take time for an attorney to be assigned to your case.
Don’t get discouraged if you are not accepted by one provider. There are many legal aid and pro bono services in the area, and their requirements for acceptance may vary widely. Keep trying until you find one that can help.
Other Sources of Support
Many legal aid societies partner with other organizations to help defendants and litigants get the information and resources they need. For those with less specific needs, many law firms provide clinics and workshops on various topics throughout the year. Sometimes, these are open events, while other times, you’ll need to call ahead to see if a space is available.
The Legal Services of Northern California Santa Cruz Office hosts "Opening Doors," a seasonal legal clinic that supports low-income domestic violence survivors, and also "Clean Slate," for those who need information about record clearance.
In-Person Attorney Consultations are offered in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Public Library at Downtown Branch on Mondays, Soquel Branch on Tuesdays, Capitola Branch on Wednesdays, Felton Branch on Thursdays, and Twin Lakes Branch on Fridays. Consultations are first-come, first-served. The Downtown Branch is also home to "Legal Aid Connect:," which strives to connect clients to lawyers who provide pro bono services through a mobile app .
SupportNetwork collaborates with legal professionals who volunteer their time for those in need of legal services.
The Back to School Workshop through the Bay Area Legal Aid provides free back-to-school supplies, information, and one-on-one consultations for low and moderate-income families.
If you have questions about starting a small business, the Central Coast Small Business Development Center’s "Business Plan Basics" workshop offers small business owners information and tools to launch their companies. A firm understanding of product/services, customers, and what makes it unique will make pursuing capital investment easier.
Legal Aid of North Carolina also provides a complete guide to other local and national resources, including legal self-help clinics and other free legal services. The Bay Area Links provided by the Santa Cruz Womens’ Commission detail local resources for women in the areas of civil and family law, general information, individuals with disabilities, landlord-tenant, low income, and crime victim advocacy, among other issues.