How to Find Reduced Cost and Free Legal Services

With the economy changing so quickly, many readers find themselves in a situation when they need legal or mediation services, but cannot afford them. What can be done? In today’s post, I’ll cover three ways that legal services and mediation services may be provided in Virginia and West Virginia, pro bono, low bono, and on a sliding fee. Just one note though—this post does not include situations that involve fee-shifting, contingency fees, or flat rate fees.

Legal Services

Sliding Fee. A sliding fee scale means that fees are scheduled based on the income of the client. Our office accepts cases on a sliding fee scale. When the combined income of the parties in a collaborative divorce case is $80,000.00 per year or less, our office reduces our hourly rate. This reduction only applies to cases when the matter involves an hourly rate. The reduction does not apply to flat rate or contingency fee cases. To read more about the difference between hourly rates, flat rates, and contingency fees, click here.

State-Funded. In certain cases, low-income clients can receive free legal services from the state or federal government when they are charged with crimes or when their children are removed from their care. In both Virginia and West Virginia, contact the clerk of the court to apply for public defender services. Some civil matters may be eligible for state or grant-funded representation through services from legal services in Virginia and West Virginia. Victims of domestic violence can often obtain services through legal aid to assist them in obtaining protective orders.

Pro Bono. Pro bono representation means that lawyers represent clients without charging any fees. Some lawyers may accept cases on a case by case situation for pro bono representation. Many legal services programs operate pro bono programs where you may apply through the program for a free lawyer who volunteers with legal services. Contact the program in your state: Virginia and West Virginia. Some law firms accept matters on a state-by-state basis to represent without charge.

Low Bono. Low bono representation means that lawyers represent clients at a reduced fee. This format is intended to provide legal services to clients who are above income limits to qualify for pro bono legal services, but unable to afford services. Many bar associations have launched this type of program to expand the potential for anyone with a legal problem to retain legal services.

Mediation services

Sliding Fee. Similar to legal representation, our office accepts mediation cases on a sliding fee scale. If the combined annual income of the parties is less than $80,000.00 per year, our office reduces our hourly rate in a scale consistent with the combined income of the parties.

State-Funded. In Virginia, state-funded mediators are available for cases that are referred to mediation by the courts. This includes family matters, General District Court, Small Claims Court, and Circuit Court. In West Virginia, family matters that are referred by the court to mediation, require payment to the mediator, on a sliding fee scale. In West Virginia, certain matters referred to family mediation are paid for by the Supreme Court. State-funded mediation is also offered in limited courts, including the Monongalia County Magistrate Court.

Pro Bono. Some community mediation centers in Virginia may provide pro bono mediation services. Our office accepts some mediation matters, without fees, depending on the type of case and the combined income of the parties who are seeking mediation.

While costs may seem like an insurmountable obstacle to looking for resolution of a legal problem or justice, some resources may be available. Please contact us if you are interested in mediation or collaborative law and we can explain our sliding fee scale.