Pro Bono Cases of the Month
Pro Bono Cases of the Month reflect one or more of the many requests for help from clients in desperate need through the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP), Elderly Program or U.S. Armed Forces Legal Services Project. VLP, funded through a grant from Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. and the Rhode Island Bar Foundation, provides pro bono legal services to qualified low-income Rhode Islanders. Participating attorneys provide legal assistance, at no charge. The client’s income must qualify under federally regulated guidelines to receive pro bono assistance, and the case must fall under one of the areas of law handled by the VLP. Clients may be responsible for filing fees, court costs and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Program for the Elderly
Newport, Bankruptcy - Client owes 6k in credit card debt and would like to file for bankruptcy. The collection calls are having a negative impact on his health. He owns no property and is on Social Security. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Public Services Senior Coordinator, Elisa King at (401) 421-7799 or eking@ribar.com.
US Armed Forces Legal Services Project
Hope Valley, Guardianship (minor) – Disabled veteran and wife need to take guardianship of wife's grandchildren (girl 4yr/boy 5yr.) Their son suffers from substance abuse/mental health issues and the mother says she can't take care of kids. Clients need guardianship in order to register kids for school and make medical decisions. Disabled Army. If you would like to assist with this case, please contact Public Services Senior Coordinator, Elisa King at (401) 421-7799 or eking@ribar.com.
Volunteer Lawyer Program
Custody, May 17th, Providence- The client is the mother of a 4 year old child. She says that the father has come back to RI after living in Utah for nearly 2 years. In March he was arrested in RI for destruction of client’s property. Client filed for a RO citing the arrest and past incidents of physical abuse. She was granted a TRO and has a court date in Providence on May 20th for that. The father then filed an M case for placement and child support. Client obviously wants to retain placement of the child who has lived with her since birth.
Restraining Order, May 20th, Providence- Client mentioned above has a hearing for an RO against the father of her child as mentioned above.
If you would like to assist with both or one of these cases, please contact Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator, John Ellis at 401-421-7758 or jellis@ribar.com.