All About Penn Legal Services
Penn Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm located in Lancaster, PA, that is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to low-to-moderate-income residents of Lancaster County. The organization was founded in 1981 and has been serving residents in the area for over 40 years, working to help individuals and families navigate the often-complex world of the legal system. The mission of Penn Legal Services is to serve low-to-moderate income people by providing them with access to justice, and to further that mission by education about the law. The nonprofit is committed to helping residents of Lancaster County address their legal issues through its various programs and services, which include free legal representation, a self-help center, and legal clinic workshops. In addition to being a non-profit law firm, Penn Legal Services is also a legal aid society. The goal of Penn Legal Services is to represent under-represented residents of Lancaster County who may otherwise not be able to afford legal services . To achieve this goal, the organization provides free or reduced-fee legal services to those who qualify, ensuring that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. The firm provides legal services to help clients navigate a variety of legal issues, and strives to make a difference in the local community through its provision of legal help to those who need it most. Going beyond its individual client-based services and clinics, Penn Legal Services also offers information and guidance to the community at large. The organization is committed to educating the public on a range of legal issues, and to providing resources on finding attorneys to represent them. The firm also helps to connect clients and those in need with the appropriate legal resources to get the assistance they need. In short, Penn Legal Services is a valuable resource for low-to-moderate-income residents of Lancaster, PA who need legal assistance. Through its mission, the firm ensures that no client is denied access to justice, and is proud to serve as a leading provider of legal services in the county.
Different Types of Legal Support
Penn Legal Services offers a variety of legal aid services to residents of Lancaster, PA. Their comprehensive approach allows them to address multiple legal issues that may affect their clients. Below are the various types of legal assistance offered through Penn Legal Services:
Family Law
The firm is fully committed to helping families resolve any legal issues they may be facing. They offer legal assistance for child custody and support disputes, divorce proceedings, and spousal support. The firm provides zealous representation while helping families reach a positive resolution.
Wills and Estate Planning
Penn Legal Services also offers estate planning services, such as drafting wills and trusts. They will also help draft financial and medical power of attorney documents. Through the firm, clients can rest easy knowing that their assets will be distributed according to their wishes.
Lancaster County Bar Association Pro Bono Program
Attorneys with the Lancaster County Bar Association handle various volunteer legal matters. This program helps families in need of representation by acting within the legal community. It is essential for helping low-income families navigate the legal system.
Who Is Eligible for Free Services
To determine whether you qualify for free legal services through Penn Legal Services, the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) requires that you fall below the state’s poverty guidelines. These guidelines consider your family size and your yearly income.
Income limits for eligibility under the poverty guidelines are:
Family Size Yearly Income Limit
1 $12,306
2 $16,338
3 $20,370
4 $24,402
5 $28,434
6 $32,466
7 $36,498
8 $40,530
If your gross income exceeds the limit by only a small amount, you may still qualify as a low-income family, even if you are not officially considered low-income by the state.
Various factors are taken into account when determining whether free legal services will be provided. Important considerations include your health, race, age, social and economic background, ability to speak English, isolation or domestic violence and mental capabilities. You may be eligible if the type of aid you are seeking from the organization will help you effectively confront an issue that would otherwise prevent you from leading a better life.
In some cases, eligibility is determined solely by the type of problem you need help with and by how much time and effort is required from the lawyers. For example, if you need help filing for bankruptcy or papering a divorce and there is already enough information available on these processes for lawyers to follow so they can help you successfully file the required paperwork, you may qualify if you demonstrate to them that without their help your chances of winning may be hurt.
If you have already started your legal matter and you were not deterred by it, you are likely to qualify for free legal services. For example, if you have tried to argue your own case at a small claims hearing and you lost when you struggled to explain your position to the judge, this alone may qualify you.
You should also keep in mind that psychological, physical or emotional obstacles might jeopardize your success, and legal assistance from an organization such as Penn Legal Services may be given to you to help you overcome these challenges.
After learning about the criteria for qualifying and your individual situation, if you believe that you are indeed qualified for free legal aid, you can reach out to the legal aid lawyers from Penn Legal Services to apply for help.
How You Can Access Their Help in Lancaster
Penn Legal Services in Lancaster can be accessed via a simple phone call. After determining whether you qualify for a legal aid attorney, you must call the office to book a consultation with a lawyer. You can contact the Lancaster location at (717) 291-9105. When calling, you will be routed through an automated system which will ask you to provide your name and, optionally, your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is used to confirm your eligibility for services.
Bring copies of any paperwork related to your case. This may include pay stubs, tax records, bank statements, court papers, and lease or mortgage documents. Avoid referring to the paperwork as evidence, since this may suggest that the firm could act as an investigator (which they cannot do) and may lower your chance of receiving assistance. Make sure to have original copies of important legal documents for review by your attorney.
Arrive at the consultation 15 minutes before your appointment is scheduled. This is an informal meeting , and you do not need to wear a suit. Be polite to office staff and take as much information as you can with you. It’s preferable to arrive with more paperwork than you think you’ll need.
Most likely, the firm will offer to assist you on a temporary basis. In certain situations, such as when seeking a divorce from an abusive spouse, you may be connected with local law enforcement. Your lawyer may also tell you that an address must be updated, or that specific documents required for your case must be accessed from the correct locations.
The office will likely ask you to bring your children with you to your initial appointment. While in some situations this is not necessary (such as during a small business dispute), it is beneficial to bring your children to Penn Legal Services in Lancaster, PA, so that the lawyers are able to provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Over the years, Penn Legal Services has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals and families in Lancaster, PA who have benefited from their comprehensive legal services. The testimonials from these clients serve as a testament to the firm’s commitment to providing affordable and effective legal solutions. One client wrote, "I was facing a challenging family law situation that I never thought I could afford, but Penn Legal Services provided me with a clear plan and a reasonable fee structure that made it possible for me to move forward with confidence."
Another client shared their experience with one of the firm’s personal injury attorneys, stating, "After my accident, I didn’t know where to turn or who could help me navigate the legal complexities of my case. The Penn Legal Services team not only fought for my rights but also ensured that I received the medical attention I needed during my recovery."
These and many other client success stories highlight the responsive and caring nature of Penn Legal Services’ approach. Families struggling with bankruptcy or foreclosure have found relief with the firm’s bankruptcy services, while small business owners have benefited from their business law and formation expertise. From practical advice to fierce representation in the courtroom, Penn Legal Services is dedicated to meeting the needs of their clients, one case at a time.
Opportunities to Volunteer or Donate
Volunteer and donation opportunities with Penn Legal Services in Lancaster, PA
Anyone who wishes to help Penn Legal Services can volunteer to support clients and staff. Volunteers are relied upon to assist staff attorneys during client intake or in other needed areas . Some volunteers provide administrative support. Attorneys who have a background in civil legal issues can handle cases on a pro bono basis. The agency also welcomes donations to support its work for clients in the Lancaster area. Donations will be accepted online or by mail.