Get free legal aid in Hawaii
It is possible to free legal advice in Hawaii. There are several places to turn to for consultations with a combination of volunteer lawyers as well as government supported programs. The Legal Aid Society is the main statewide organization that provides help to low-income residents as well as senior citizens (no matter their income). Find where to get help with legal needs, for free, in Hawaii with the contact information and programs listed below. Access to affordable legal help in make the difference between keeping housing, resolving family disputes, or successfully navigating court procedures. Fortunately, Hawaiii has a network of statewide nonprofits, government-supported programs, and pro bono initiatives that provide free or low-cost assistance to residents who qualify.
Free legal assistance programs in HI that help with civil needs
The federally funded
Legal Aid Society Of Hawaii
can help with civil legal matters. Note the non-profit also relies money raised from the community. Some examples of the cases they can advise people on, and represent them with, include the following.
Tax Assistance:
Lawyers and specialists can help prepare Federal and State of Hawaii tax returns. It is possible to learn about all your credits and deductions. In addition, lawyers will help people that have issues with returns, such as audit cases and other challenges.
Immigration:
Information on family reunification, human trafficking cases, and language access. This is also for Asian immigrants as well in Honolulu. Housing, eviction prevention, and mortgage relief : Legal advice to deal with private/landlord/tenant problems including subsidized housing law, illegal evictions or repairs, Section 8 housing, discrimination, and public housing services. There are also programs around rent assistance in Honolulu that can help struggling tenants.
Legal issues seniors face:
The elderly in Hawaii can get help from the Society with challenges they face. Lawyers help with advanced health care directives (living wills), durable powers of attorney, and mental health needs. A senior legal hotline is run by Legal Aid Society Of Honolulu.
Consumer finance issues:
The
Legal Aid Society Of Hawaii
handles cases around truth in lending, unfair sales practices, cancellations of agreement of sales, and illegal debt collection agency practices. There is also legal aid for addressing wage garnishment.
Help applying to Public Assistance and Government Entitlements:
Get advice on applying for, or contesting challenges, about benefits such as unemployment compensation, food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, Social Security, and disability claims. As many volunteer lawyers also help with social security disability advocacy
- lawyers offer this service for free to income qualified people.
Family Law
cases:
This includes topics such as termination of parental rights, change in custody, adoptions, spouse or child abuse, or divorce. Call or stop by Legal Aid Society Of Hawaii at 924 Bethel Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Call (808) 536-4302
Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii
, known as VLSH, is another option. The non-profit organization coordinates pro bono advice clinics and limited-scope representation. VLSH helps more moderate income residents as well. As the programs will help who don’t meet income guidelines for the Society Programs above but still cannot afford private attorneys. The main address is 545 Queen St #100, Honolulu, HI 96813. Call 808-528-7046 on Oʻahu or visit https://www.vlsh.org ,
Court Self-Help Centers
are available to the public. The Hawaii State Judiciary supports Access to Justice Rooms and Self-Help Centers at courthouses statewide. Volunteer attorneys and AmeriCorps Advocates provide free brief advice and help with forms, such as wills, applications to benefits and many others. Hours and locations are posted at https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help-resources .