Free Legal Aid in Gary
Last updated: November 15, 2013
Do you have a legal issue in Gary, but can’t afford to hire an attorney? There are many free or low-cost legal service options for Lake County residents. One of the main providers is Indiana Legal Services, a nonprofit legal aid organization providing free legal aid to low-income residents and seniors. 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 should you need legal advice in the “Magic City of Steel.”
General Law
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American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana
1031 East Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Tel: (317) 635-4059Areas 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. Requests for legal assistance can be submitted online.
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City of Hammond Legal Aid Clinic Department
5231 Hohman Avenue
Suite 605
Hammond, IN 46320
Tel: (219) 853-6611Areas of Law: Consumer, Public Benefits, Housing, Educational, Guardianships, Landlord/Tenant Disputes, Wills, Living Wills and Family Law
Good to Know: This agency only serves residents in the city of Hammond. To qualify you must meet economic requirements based on household size, weekly income and equity in autos and homes. Exceptions can be made for domestic violence victims. Call to learn more.
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Indiana Legal Services
Hammond Branch, Greater Hammond Community Center
824 Hoffman
Hammond, IN 46320
Tel: (219) 853-2360Areas of Law: Family law, Consumer law, Senior law, Housing issues, Public benefits
Good to Know: This office only serves Lake and Porter Counties. They offer advice/legal counsel, brief services, self-help clinics, community legal education, and referrals, as well as full representation in administrative hearings and county, state, and federal courts. They do not assist with criminal cases. Applicants must qualify for services under financial guidelines. These guidelines are based on household size, income and assets. Most families who receive government benefits or who have minimum wage jobs are eligible for services.
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Indiana Legal Services
Merrillville Branch
7863 Broadway Street, Suite 205
Merrillville , IN 46410
Tel: (219) 738-6040Areas of Law: Family law, Consumer law, Senior law, Housing issues, Public benefits
Good to Know: This office serves Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties. They offer advice/legal counsel, brief services, self-help clinics, community legal education, and referrals, as well as full representation in administrative hearings and county, state, and federal courts. They do not assist with criminal cases. Applicants must qualify for services under financial guidelines. These guidelines are based on household size, income and assets. Most families who receive government benefits or who have minimum wage jobs are eligible for services.
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Indiana Pro Bono Commission
615 N Alabama St
Suite 122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 269-2415Areas of Law: Civil
Good to Know: The Pro Bono Commission does not provide direct legal representation, but can provide a list of pro bono attorneys and resources.
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NWI Volunteer Attorneys
651 E. Third Street
P.O. Box 427
Hobart, IN 46342
Tel: (219) 945-1799Areas of Law: Adoption, Bankruptcy, Consumer, Paternity, Custody, Child Support, Parenting Time, Dissolution of Marriage, Domestic Violence, Landlord/Tenant, Foreclosure Defense, Public Benefits, Wills, Guardianships, and Non-profit corps
Good to Know: They only serve low-income residents of Lake, Jasper, Newton, and Porter Counties. They do not handle criminal, traffic/drivers license, juvenile delinquency or cases for money damages.
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Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
Catholic Charities
940 Broadway
Gary, IN 46402
Tel: (317) 429-4158Areas of Law: Landlord/Tenant, Guardianship, Custody/Visitation, Immigration, Bankruptcy, Child Support, Housing/Foreclosure, Wills/Estate, Disability Benefits, Discrimination, Consumer/Debt, and Tax Controversies.
Good to Know: This clinic only operates during certain times/days. Call or visit the website to learn more. You must be a resident of Lake County and meet certain income levels to qualify for services. They do not accept criminal or divorce cases.
Disability Law
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Disability Legal Services of Indiana
5954 N. College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tel: (317) 426-7733Areas of Law: Education, Probate, and Disability law compliance
Good to Know: This is a statewide agency. They cannot offer legal advice or answer legal questions over the phone.
Family Law
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Lake County Family Court Assistance
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Tel: (219) 755-3488Areas of Law: Family, Child Support, Child Custody, Divorce
Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys can provide basic information and assistance to Lake County residents in completing the State of Indiana pre-printed forms regarding domestic relations matters. Contact the Family Court Coordinator to determine eligibility and set up an appointment for services.
Law Schools
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Valparaiso School of Law Clinic
Heritage Hall
510 Freeman Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Tel: (219) 465-7903Areas of Law: Immigration, Criminal, General Civil, Juvenile, Domestic Violence, Mediation, Tax and Post-Conviction
Good to Know: The Law School only accepts new cases from Porter County from September thru March.