Legal Aid Bureau

In 1886 the Legal Aid Bureau of Metropolitan Family Services pioneered the concept of equal access to justice for all, regardless of income. Work focuses on assisting Chicago's most vulnerable citizens who need help with issues related to domestic violence, family law, elder abuse and financial exploitation of senior citizens. Protection against predatory consumer and housing practices is available at Metropolitan's Midway and Calumet community centers, located on Chicago's South and Southwest sides. Education on legal rights is provided at Metropolitan's downtown Chicago headquarters and through its seven centers located in the city and in area suburbs. Legal Aid Bureau clients also can access social services, financial literacy classes, day care, financial assistance and a wide variety of other services through the community centers which provide a holistic approach to their needs. The Legal Aid Bureau is committed to systemic change and advocacy. By working with Metropolitan Family Service's Social Policy staff, local and state bar associations, domestic violence service providers and local court administrators, the Legal Aid Bureau advocates for better laws and a system that is more responsive to its clients and to low-income families in general.

Services Include

Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence

• Orders of protection
• Prevention and reversal of parental kidnapping
• Custody with safe visitation arrangements
• Secure financial support for children and abuse victims
• Fair division of debts and property
• Dissolving abusive marriages

Advice and Representation on Family Law Issues

• Child Support Clinic
• Advice appointments with an experienced family law attorney
• Representation for uncontested divorces through its Pro Bono panel

Protecting the Elderly

• Financial and health care powers of attorney
• Orders of protection for victims of abuse and financial exploitation
• Guardianships to manage finances and maintain independent living
• Representation for grandparents raising their grandchildren
• Advice and representation on family law issues

Advice and Representation on Housing and Consumer Issues

• Eviction defense
• Protection against creditors' unfair practices

Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Representation in a collaborative law model for family law cases

Know Your Rights Workshops in Your Community

• Housing and consumer issues, predatory lending
• Legal rights of domestic violence victims
• Legal rights of the elderly

The Legal Aid Bureau gratefully acknowledges the support and generosity of the Chicago Bar Foundation in helping to provide comprehensive family law legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. www.chicagobarfoundation.org

Copyright © 2008 Metropolitan Family Services
Client Rights & Privacy Policy
Notificacíon de los Derechos y la Política de Privacidad de los Clientes