FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc.
For FAQs on Legal Topics CLICK HERE
1. Will you be in court with me?
2. I understand it’s free, but is there a certain point I will or may have to pay?
4. Who is eligible for services?
6. What is the Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program?
8. Where can I get forms to take care of my problem on my own?
9. What types of cases do you take?
1. Will you be in court with me?
Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. has funding priorities and regulations that limit the types of cases in which we are able to provide direct representation. If your case meets those funding criteria and regulations, and if we have the resources available, we may do any of the following: advise you on your case, contact third parties on your behalf, draft court documents. If your situation warrants extended services in the opinion of the attorney on you case, we may represent you in court or attempt to refer your case to a private attorney who will represent you at no cost.
2. I understand it’s free, but is there a certain point I will or may have to pay?
Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. does not charge for any of our services. You may have to pay court costs and filing fees. Please contact your local courthouse to find out how much the costs and fees may be in your area.
3. Since you don’t take applications for my type of matter, and you are in the legal field, why can’t you refer me to directly a private attorney that you know is good?
We will provide you with the Wyoming Bar Association’s Referral Service at (307) 632-9061 if you are seeking a private attorney. They will attempt to connect you with an experienced, insured, private attorney. Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. cannot make individual attorney referrals.
4. Who is eligible for services?
Applicants and every member of their household must qualify for our services. The income and asset guidelines are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants’ legal problems must fall within our practice areas, and clients must be in the country legally. Additional criteria may apply.
5. Who will handle my case?
Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. currently has four offices across the state, located in Cheyenne, Casper, Lander, and Rock Springs. You case will be referred to the closest available attorney. Occasionally, we may retain a private attorney under our PAI program to assist you when our staff attorneys cannot.
6. What is the Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program?
The PAI Program is designed to assist Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. clients when we do not have the resources to assist the clients ourselves. Under this program, we recruit volunteer attorneys to give legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court when our staff attorneys cannot.
7. What if I qualify financially, but Legal Aid of Wyoming, Inc. doesn’t handle my type of case, or if I am not eligible for services?
Our staff will attempt to refer you to the agency or program best suited to your needs. We may also provide you with printed materials. For more assistance you may call the Wyoming Bar Association’s Referral Service 307-632-9061.
8. Where can I get forms to take care of my problem on my own?
We have forms available on our website.
Please consider consulting an attorney before filing your case pro se.9. What types of cases do you take?
Shelter: Evictions and other landlord-tenant issues, utility shut-offs, public housing, unhealthy or dangerous housing conditions
Income: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, and public benefits
Consumer Debt: Repossession of property, bad debt, garnishment, and bankruptcy
Migrant: In addition to the general priorities: wage claims, housing, health and safety issues, community education
Family: We assist with completion of pro se (do-it-yourself) legal packets in the areas of divorce, custody modification, and child support modification. These packets are available from any Wyoming District Court for $10.00.
Tribal Court: Cases in Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court.
10. I don’t want to go through an eligibility screening or intake, I just have a quick question to ask.
We are sorry, but we are unable to provide any legal services until we have determined you are eligible to receive service. We do have an advice hotline, 1-877-432-9955, but you will still have to qualify to receive advice.
