Can the VLP give me a free lawyer?

 

No, the VLP will not provide you a free attorney to go to court for you. VLP staff and volunteers help you help yourself by providing opportunities to speak with a volunteer attorney about your case. The volunteer will give you advice about what you can do with your case and review your forms, but they will not act as your attorney. You are responsible for all required actions in your case.

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What is a LLLT (Limited License Legal Technician)?

A limited license legal technician, also known as a legal technician or LLLT, is licensed by the Washington Supreme Court to advise and assist people going through divorce, child custody, and other family law matters in Washington.

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How do you qualify for VLP Services?

 

To qualify for VLP services, clients must be low-income. More specifically, clients must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Clients must have a qualifying legal matter in one of the following counties: Spokane, Pend Oreille, Ferry, Stevens, and Lincoln. The VLP primarily assists in the area of Family Law but can also assist with Wills & Estates, and Consumer Law matters. 

Can I ask VLP staff legal questions?

VLP staff are not attorneys and cannot answer legal questions or give legal advice.

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What areas of law can the VLP assist with?

The VLP generally assists with the following legal issues:  Divorce, Legal Separation, Parenting Plans/Custody, Minor Guardianship, Establishing Parentage, Modification of Child Support, Modification of Parenting Plans, Contempt, Wills, and limited consumer matters.

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If the area of law you are seeking help with does not fall into one of the categories listed above, then the VLP probably cannot assist you. The VLP cannot help in criminal law matters.

How will the VLP help me?

The VLP is designed to provide legal education and guidance, so you are better prepared to face your legal matter. The VLP offers free legal clinics, appointments, and self-help resources.

 

The VLP has volunteer lawyers and LLLT's in the courtrooms for the Family Law Status Conference docket. We provide attorneys at the Civil Motion docket. What are these about?

• Status Conference – Volunteer attorneys and LLLT's are available to review final documents related to Family Law matters.

• Civil Motion Docket – Attorneys are present to assist consumers as they navigate their legal issue regarding garnishment/collection actions. You can call our office to see if your financial issue qualifies. 

 

I called CLEAR, but I haven't heard anything from the VLP. What should I do?

 

After you have called CLEAR, CLEAR refers you to the legal aid program that is capable of assisting with your legal issue. If you are referred to the VLP, VLP staff office will call you within two weeks of your CLEAR referral. Please be patient. We are a nonprofit staffed primarily by volunteers. During holidays or busy times it can take longer for the VLP to get in touch with you.

 

I want to get help from the VLP, but I am unable to drive to Spokane. Is there another way to get help?

 

If you are in need of family law assistance and cannot make it to our office for an in-person appointment, it is possible to schedule a phone or virtual appointment. However, this is on a case-by-case basis dependent upon your family law matter. Additionally, community events with the VLP and partner organizations occur regularly. For information on local free legal events coming soon, check the VLP calendar.

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My first language is not English. Can the VLP still help me?

 

Yes. The VLP and its volunteers can use an interpretation service via telephone to communicate with clients who do not speak English. On occasion, student interns may be available to interpret.

How should I prepare for my clinic appointment?

Before your clinic appointment,

• Fill out your forms as much as possible – mark any questions you are unsure of how to answer.

• Gather all your case information to bring with you (this includes all documents you have filed or been served).

• Write a list of specific questions you have for the volunteer.

Can I have more than one clinic appointment?

Yes, you can have more than one clinic appointment. After your appointment you may call the office to schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.

How long will the VLP help me?

Each program participant is allowed a maximum of 5 hours of volunteer time. The VLP will assist you until this time has run out. Clinic appointments, phone calls, and emails all count toward this time. When your matter is completed, the VLP will close your case. For help after this time, you must call the CLEAR line to seek assistance.

Will I see the same lawyer every time?

No, you probably won’t see the same volunteer every time. The attorneys who help at the clinics volunteer their time based on their private practice schedule.

What if I don't agree with what the lawyer tells me?

The attorney speaking to you at the clinic appointment is not your lawyer, so you can choose not to follow their advice. This is your case, and you are free to take whatever actions you would like with it.

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