When you or your loved ones have a legal case to deal with, you may find it overwhelming to pay for a lawyer. A situation like this is often complicated, especially when going without the help of an attorney is not an option. If you are in this kind of situation, you are not alone. The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on various factors like your location, complexity of the case, and the experience of your attorney. Getting help to pay for a lawyer may sound challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, there are some programs, such as uplift legal funding, that can help you cover your legal fees, and give you free help. Here is how to pay for legal assistance on a budget.
Payment Plans. Although lawyers are not supposed to offer payment plans, most of them opt to do so to help those who are struggling financially. Ask your lawyer about a payment plan option during your initial meeting. Some lawyers may come up with a sliding scale plan that is based on your income and financial obligations.
Legal Services Corporation. The Legal Service Corporation (LSC) is a non-profit body that was established by Congress in 1974. LSC focuses on providing funds for various legal aid services. Today, the body funds over 100 non-profit legal aid programs in America. Use the national database directory to look for a federally-funded legal aid program in your area.
American Bar Association. The American Bar Association has a list of all affordable legal services and non-profit law firms across the United States. The American Bar Association focuses on helping you to access the legal services you require even if you do not have the money to pay for an attorney. You can also request them for a pro bono resource directory, which is searchable by state.
Online Fundraising. You can also choose to raise money for your legal fees. Crowdfunding is the best and fastest way to raise funds to cover your legal costs. Crowdfunding can help relieve some or all your cost for paying for a lawyer. Crowdfunding also saves you the awkward conversations of seeking help from your friends and family. Using social media for your fundraiser can also give you access to more people who are willing to help.
Free Legal Advice. If you do not have the money to pay a lawyer, a solicitor can take your case as part of their pro bono work. Pro bono is free help for those who do not qualify for legal aid or cannot afford to pay for their legal services. Pro bono work is voluntary, and solicitors are not obliged to do it, although most of them choose to help everyone to access justice.
Every citizen should be able to access legal help. Finding the money to cover your legal fees may be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. Consider these options, and you will find an easy and quick way to lift that financial burden.