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Dallas Bar Volunteers Offer Free Legal Clinics

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Members of the Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas want to get the word out that there are free legal services available for eligible Dallas County residents.

This month the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program is holding eight free clinics across Dallas County.

While lawyers won't offer criminal or immigration assistance they can help residents with all types of legal issues.

"We see a lot of name changes, adoptions, divorces and custody matters," explained Michelle Alden, the managing attorney of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. "We're trying to make sure that everybody knows about the clinics and help as many applicants as we."

Certain financial guidelines determine eligibility, but Alden says the program also takes into consideration things like rent and mortgage responsibilities, as well as transportation expenses.

If an individual doesn't meet the eligibility requirements program volunteers will provide them with a list of other Dallas County resources that might be able offer them assistance.

Normally there are between five and 10 attorneys volunteering and a maximum of 40 applicants accepted per clinic.

"Our goal is to help as man low-income citizens of Dallas County as we possibly can," Alden said.

Free clinics are taking place almost every week, across Dallas County. Each session generally includes attorneys able to assist with everything from estate planning and probate, to landlord/tenant issues and Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Anyone applying for assistance will need to have identification, proof of income, and any current legal papers concerning their issue.

All of the clinics in August begin at 6 p.m., but applicants are encouraged to arrive early.

The schedule August free legal clinics are as follows:

East Dallas (Grace United Methodist Church-4105 Junius at Haskell)
· Thursdays, August 2; and August 16
South Dallas (Martin Luther King, Jr. Center-2922 MLK Blvd.)
· Tuesdays, August 7; August 14; and August 28
West Dallas (Marillac Social Services Center-2843 Lapsley Street)
· Thursdays, August 9; and August 23
Garland (Salvation Army-451 W. Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040)
· Thursday, August 16

Click here to find out more about the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.

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