There's affordable legal help in DuPage
The Sunday, Aug. 30 Daily Herald ran a front-page story about a Kane County woman unable to afford legal representation to obtain a divorce from her abusive husband.
This would be less likely to happen in DuPage County because of DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service (Legal Aid) and the DuPage County Bar Association's commitment to help the indigent of DuPage County. Legal Aid provides free legal assistance in family law, order of protection, expungements, bankruptcy, guardianship and other cases in DuPage County.
If one meets asset and income guidelines, Legal Aid assigns an attorney to litigate a case from inception to end. The disabled, domestic violence victims and elderly will qualify if earning up to 200 percent over the federal poverty guideline. A domestic violence victim, with a household of five, would qualify if earning $56,820.00 per year or less. Other considerations may also be made on a case-by-case basis.
DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service provided more than 10,000 hours of pro bono services last year. This included 2,122 court appearances. If one doesn't qualify for a Pro Bono Attorney, one may receive a No Retainer Attorney. Additionally, if someone doesn't qualify because their income and assets are over the guidelines, applicants will be referred to the DuPage County Bar Association's Modest Means Program or their Lawyer Referral Service.
As noted, people often do not know where to ask for help. Please let your DuPage County readers know the valuable services provided by Legal Aid and other resources. Legal coaching from an attorney is no replacement for having an attorney that will represent you in the courtroom throughout your case. Making your private life so public by posting on social media to crowdfund a divorce should be a last resort.
Cecilia Najera
executive director
DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service
Wheaton