Michigan Military & Veterans Legal Service Guide
Dana Nessel Michigan Attorney General Table of Contents We are grateful for the effort and sacrifices that veterans, military personnel, and their families have made to serve our country and Michigan.
Whether you are a long-time veteran, a recently activated member of the National Guard or Reserves, active duty military personnel, or a Legal & Related Services Dedicated to Veterans 4 newly returned servicemember, I am committed to ensuring that you and your family receive the benefits and protections you have earned. Legal Programs for Low-Income Veterans 6 Law School Clinics & Related Programs 6 Federal and state laws protect the rights of veterans and servicemembers against discrimination in employment, help avoid credit or foreclosure Legal Services Programs 6 problems, and maximize healthcare, disability, and education benefits. Pro Bono Programs 6
In addition, many veterans face physical and physcological challenges that Legal & Legal-Related Programs for All Veterans & Active Duty Military Personnel 6 will extend well beyond their military service. Others have paid the ultimate 6 price. In this case, veterans and their families continue to serve our country Law School Clinics & Related Programs long after a tour of duty is over and deserve appropraite legal protections. Fee-Based Legal Referral Sources 8
The Michigan Military and Veterans’ Legal Services Guide provides Agencies, Hotlines & Websites for Information, Advice & Referrals 8 information on numerous legal programs available for veterans and active Consumer Protection Issues & Resources 12 duty military personnel. Veterans’ Treatment Courts 13 This guide is the product of diligent work by Assistant Attorneys General Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits 14 from my office and staff from the Veterans Law Clinic of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Service Officers Affiliated with Veterans’ Organizations 14 16 I thank everyone involved in this project. You have done an important service County Service Counselors for veterans, military personnel and their families confronting legal issues. General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans 27 Sincerely, Statewide/National Legal Services Programs 28
County/Regional Legal Services Programs 28
Dana Nessel Law School Clinics & Related Programs 32 Attorney General Pro Bono Programs 34
Hotlines & Websites for Information, Advice & Referrals 35
Referral Services for Fee-Based Legal Help for All Individuals 37
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral 38
County & Local Bar Association Lawyer Referral Programs 38
Other Lawyer Referral Sources 38
Legal Aid Clinics 41
Self-Help Resources for Pro Se Assistance 45 Introduction
The Military and Veterans’ Legal Services Guide, a combined effort of the Michigan Department of Attorney General and the Veterans Law Clinic of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, is designed to provide Michigan Legal & Related Services military personnel and veterans, and those who assist them, with a directory of resources to address legal and legal-related issues. Dedicated to Veterans The Guide contains resources specific to the needs of veterans, including obtaining VA benefits, as well as resources to assist veterans in addressing other legal problems that may not be related to their status as veterans.
This Guide augments the State Bar of Michigan’s Pro Bono Manual, which contains legal resources for veterans, and can be found on their website (michbar.org/programs/probonomanual).
As with any resource guide, there likely will be some omissions. It is hoped that the Guide will undergo regular updating in its electronic form, so that it will provide military personnel and veterans, and those who assist them, with a current and useful tool. To access this guide, visit the Attorney General’s website and click ‘Military’.
If you know of a resource omitted from the Guide, or find one listed in the Guide that is incorrect or needs to be updated, please email the Attorney General’s office ([email protected]), ATTN: Military and Veterans’ Guide. Legal Programs for Low-Income Veterans
Law School Clinics & Related Pro Bono Programs Programs
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Project SALUTE, Veterans Law Clinic, Veterans Lawyers Serving Warriors Program Phone: 888-838-7727; 202-628-8164 Appellate Clinic Website: vetsprobono.org Website: nvlsp.org University of Detroit Mercy School of Law The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program was The NVLSP’s Lawyers Serving Warriors Program 651 E East Jefferson Ave. created in 1992 with a focus to provide assistance offers pro bono legal help to veterans from all eras Detroit, MI 48226 to unrepresented veterans or their family members with two types of disability claims: Combat Related who have filed appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals Phone: 888-836-5294; 313-596-0235 Special Compensation (CRSC) and applications for Veterans Claims. Fax Number: 313-596-9825 to the Physical Disability Board of Review for an Website: law.udmercy.edu increase in the military disability rating. Each appellant who requests Pro Bono Program Email: [email protected] assistance receives a thorough review of his or her NVLSP also has a new pilot program for assistnace appeal. In the event that a case is not accepted by Veterans Law Clinic advises, represents and refers with VA denials of service connection for PTSD the Program, the veteran will receive substantive low-income veterans and family members on due to military sexual trauma. legal advice about the case. disability and pension matters.
Veterans Appellate Clinic represents veterans Public Counsel: Center for Veterans Advancement with cases pending, or to be filed, at the Court of Lawyers Serving Warriors Program Appeals for Veterans Claims. Website: publiccounsel.org/practice_areas/center_ for_veterans_advancement Legal Services Programs The NVLSP’s Lawyers Serving Warriors Program offers pro bono legal help to veterans from all eras Western Michigan Legal Services with two types of disability claims:
Legal Aid of Western Michigan Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Website: lawestmi.org and applications to the Physical Disability Board Email: [email protected] of Review for an increase in the military disability rating. Legal Aid of Western Michigan provides assistance to veterans’ families who are homeless, NVLSP also has a new pilot program for assistnace in transitional housing or at risk of homelessness. with VA denials of service connection for PTSD Cases are referred to LAWM when there is a legal due to military sexual trauma. issue that can either prevent homelessness or remove an obstacle to permanent housing.
For office locations, refer to section II.
6 Legal & Legal-Related Programs for All Veterans & Active Duty Military Personnel
Fee-Based Legal Referral Services AW2 is part of the U.S. Army Warrior Transition Military One Source The National Veterans Foundation assists with crisis Command (WTC), which offers resources for management services, by providing information wounded, ill, and injured soldiers, veterans, and Phone: 800-342-9647 and referrals to all U.S. veterans and their families their families or caregivers to promote success in Website: militaryonesource.mil through management and operation of its toll-free Attorneys Admitted to Practice at U.S. Court of the force or civilian life. helpline. Appeals for Veterans Claims Military One Source is a confidential Department- of-Defense-funded program which provides Phone: 202-501-5970 MI Department of Military & Veterans Affairs comprehensive information at no cost to Active Navy Safe Harbor Program Website: uscourts.cavc.gov/practitioners_info.php Duty, Guard, and Reserve component members, Phone: 517-481-8000 and their families. Information includes: deployment 1619 King St. Attorneys, organized by state, are knowledgeable Website: mi.gov/dmva reunion, non-medical counseling, marital Alexandria, VA 22314 of matters regarding veteran’s benefits and counseling, reintegration concerns, financial possibly willing to assist veterans in other areas. Comprehensive website and state agency that management, taxes, career services, relationship, Phone: 571-970-6369 provides information and describes benefits grief and loss, spouse employment and education, Website: safeharborfoundation.org available to Michigan Veterans, and links to the Email: [email protected] National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates and parenting and childhood. Personalized support Michigan National Guard (minationalguard.com). (NOVA) and confidential services are available 24 hours a Provides support to seriously wounded, ill and day by telephone and online. injured sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and their families Phone: 202-587-5708 MI Veterans Affairs Agency by using a holistic approach to provide assistance Website: vetadvocates.org/veterans-help National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) throughout phases of the service member’s Phoenix Bldg., 5th Floor NOVA is a national organization of attorneys and 1 Archives Dr. recovery, rehabilitation, and return to duty or 222 N. Washington Square other qualified members who act as advocates St. Louis, MO 63138 community reintegration. P.O. Box 30104 for veterans in obtaining VA benefits, and related Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: 314-801-0800; 866-272-6272 areas. Attorney members are organized by state. Website: archives.gov/st-louis Stateside Legal Phone: 800-642-4838; 800-Mich-Vet Email: [email protected] Website: michiganveterans.com Status Check: mpr status@nara gov Website: statesidelegal.org Agencies, Hotlines & Websites for Information, Advice & Referrals The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides Information regarding military personnel, health Stateside Legal is a website for members of the resources relating to education, healthcare, and medical records is made available upon written military, veterans, their families and advocates. The quality of life and housing. The agency connects goal of the website is to offer help in accessing These resources provide advice or information request with signature and date. Veterans can veterans with services officers who can help benefits, finding free legal help and helping to on particular issues and in some instances may obtain copies of DD-214 and military personnel prepare the necessary forms, document claims better understand legal issues. provide referrals. records from NPRC. NPRC also can provide with pertinent data and ensure proper submission service medical records unless records have been Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) and case management of claims. The agency also transferred to the VA after the veteran filed a claim Real Warriors Campaign has access to DD-214s that have been sent to for service-connected disability benefits. Phone: 877-393-9058 Michigan from the National Archives. Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Website: wct.army.mil/modules/veterans/v2- National Veterans Foundation Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Real Warriors aw2EligibilityEnrollment.html Campaign Email: usarmy.pentagon.medcom-wtc.mbx. Military.com 5777 West Century Boulevard, Ste. 350 1335 East West Highway, Ste. 900 [email protected] Los Angeles, CA 90045 Website: military.com Silver Spring, MD 20910 AW2 assists and advocates for severely wounded, Phone: 310-642-0255; 888-777-4443 (Counselor) Provides general information and updates of Website: realwarriors.net injured, and ill soldiers and their families Website: nvf.org interest to members and veterans of all branches regardless of location or military status. of the military.
8 9 Legal & Legal-Related Programs for All Veterans & Active Duty Military Personnel
Swords to Plowshares VA Health Benefits Enroll by Phone Phone: 877-222-8387 Phone: 571-970-6369 Website: swords-to-plowshares.org VA Hotline for Women Veterans Phone: 855-829-6636 Multimedia public awareness campaign designed to encourage service members and veterans Status of Pending VA Claims to seek help for traumatic brain injury and Phone: 800-827-1000 psychological issues. Veterans Crisis Line Website contains self-help materials on applying Phone: 800-273-8255 (press 1) for a discharge upgrade, as well as other helpful materials. VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans Phone: 877-424-3838 California-based website, which provides very good self-help resources for veterans in a variety Board of Veterans Appeals Ombudsman of areas, including issues pertaining to undesirable Phone: 202-461-8032 discharges and discharge upgrades.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
VA Inspector General Phone: 800-488-8244 MyVA311 Phone: 844-698-2311 Website: va.gov
Comprehensive website which contains information and fillable forms. This is a good place to start on any issue relating to veterans’ benefits. Also contains contact information for all VA regional offies and VA medical centers.
VA Benefits
Website: ebenefits.va.gov
Veterans can enroll for e-benefits, and apply for disability benefits if claim is fully developed. Veterans also can access other helpful information, including the status of their claim if they have registered with e-benefits.
10 Consumer Protection Issues & Resources Veterans’ Treatment Courts
MI Department of Attorney General Such “advisors” earn their money by selling Veterans’ Treatment Courts are authorized by Veterans can seek to have pending cases in Michigan annuities or other investment products, or creating Michigan statute, and generally use a hybrid of District and Circuit Courts transferred to a Veterans’ Consumer Protection Division a trust. What they may not reveal is that these drug court and mental health court concepts and Treatment Court by requesting the presiding judge to P.O. Box 30213 transactions can cause the veteran to become approaches to serve military veterans, and sometimes transfer the matter. Lansing, MI 48909 ineligible for Medicaid services or unable to access active-duty personnel. funds without in- curring high withdrawal fees or Phone: 517-373-1140; 877-765-8388 Veterans’ Treatment Courts promote sobriety, other expenses when the annuity or investment Website: mi.gov/ag recovery, and stability through a coordinated product being pitched is unsuitable for seniors. response that involves cooperation and collaboration Applying for veterans’ benefits is free–and so are with community and state-wide partners. Veterans’ Charities the forms. Learn more about Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Pension website (benefits. Before donating to a veterans’ charity or applying va.gov/pension). Allegan/Barry/ Calhoun County Genesee County Ionia County for services from a veterans’ charity, it is important If you need help with the application, use Van Buren County 10th District Court 7th Circuit Court 64A District Court first to verify the legitimacy of the charity. someone accredited through the VA. The th Calhoun County 900 S. Saginaw St. 101 W. Main St. accreditation means the person is trained to help 57 District Court Some so-called veterans’ charities are outright 113 Chestnut St. Justice Ctr. Flint, MI 48502 Ionia, MI 48846 scams that prey on the public’s generosity and fill out the papers and file them. It doesn’t mean 161 E. Michigan Ave. Phone: 810-424-4426 Phone: 616-527-5396 the VA endorses the person’s advice or ethics. Allegan, MI 49010 provide no real services; other veterans’ charities Phone: 269-673-0400 Battle Creek, MI 49014 may perform some nominal charitable benefit, but People with VA accreditation are not allowed to Phone: 269-969-6666 largely serve their own interests. charge for help unless they are attorneys, and only after the veteran’s initial claim has been For more information, visit the Attorney General’s denied and a Notice of Disagreement has been charities website (mi.gov/agcharity). filed. To verify if an advisor is VA accredited, or to Ingham County Macomb County Muskegon County Oakland County search for an accredited advisor by city or state, 45th District Court th th Search the Attorney General’s online charities visit the VA Accreditation Website (va.gov/ogc/ 54B District Court 16 Circuit Court 60 District Court 13600 Oak Park Blvd. database. accreditation.asp). Accredited counselors and 101 Linden St. 40 N. Main St. 990 Terrace St. Oak Park, MI 48237 Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Phone: 248-691-7440 other assistance are also available through county Lansing, MI 48823 Muskegon, MI 49442 To inquire about a particular organization or to Phone: 586-469-5016 st VA offices. Phone: 517-351-7000 Phone: 231-724-6294 51 District Court make a complaint, email the Charitable Trust 5100 Civic Center Dr. 41B District Court Waterford, MI 48329 Section ([email protected]). 22380 Starks Dr. Phone: 248-674-4655 Clinton Township, MI 48036 Phone: 586-569-7833 52-1 District Court Pension Benefit Applications & 48150 Grand River Ave. Investment Advice Novi, MI 48374 Pension Benefit Applications & Phone: 248-305-6146 Investment Advice Active servicemembers are a target of high- interest lenders, despite the federal Military Older veterans are an attractive target for un- Lending Act enacted to prevent predatory lenders scrupulous “advisors” or “veterans’ advocates” from gouging military personnel. offering help in applying for additional benefits; Redford County Saginaw County Wayne County Washtenaw County usually Aid and Attendance (A & A). These so- Information on lending protections and options 17th District Court 70th District Court 36th District Court 15th District Court called advisors—who may be attorneys, financial for service members is available from the 15111 Beech Daly 111 S. Michigan Ave. 421 Madison 301 E. Huron St. planners or insurance agents—try to persuade federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Redford, MI 48239 Saginaw, MI 48602 Detroit, MI 48226 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 veterans to transfer assets into a trust or (consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers). Phone: 313-387-2790 Phone: 989-790-5378 Phone: 313-965-2200 Phone: 734-794-6759 restructure their finances in order to qualify for A & A, which is intended for low-income individuals. 12 13 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America Vietnam Veterans of America Service officers are trained individuals who are accredited by the VA to represent veterans in obtaining VA benefits. They are not attorneys and do not charge a fee. They may be employed by, or volunteers of, Chapter Office McNamara Federal Bldg. veterans’ service organizations, or employed by Michigan county governments. These individuals assist 40550 Grand River Ave. 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1231 veterans with claim preparation and advocacy, generally at the VA Regional Office and Board of Veterans’ Novi, MI 48375 Detroit, MI 48226 Contact: Phil Smith Appeals. Phone: 248-476-9000; 800-638-6782 Website: michiganpva.org Phone: 313-961-9568 Website: vva.org McNamara Federal Bldg. Email: [email protected] Service Officers Affiliated with Disabled American Veterans Department of MI 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1233 Detroit, MI 48226 Veterans’ Organizations 17779 E. 14 Mile Rd. Contact: Stephanie Strickland American Legion Fraser, MI 48026 Phone: 313-471-3996; 800-795-36608 212 N. Verlinden Ave., Ste. A Phone: 586-415-8610 Email: [email protected] Lansing, MI 48915 Website: mi-dav.org
Phone: 517-371-4720 Military Order of the Purple Heart Website: michiganlegion.org/veteran-support.html Marine Corps League Department of MI McNamara Federal Bldg. Email: [email protected] 5377 Durfee Rd. 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1215 Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 Detroit, MI 48226 McNamara Federal Bldg., Rm. 1210 Contact: Paul Kaiser 477 Michigan Ave. Phone: 248-390-5481 Detroit, MI 48226 Website: michiganmarines.org Phone: 313-964-6888 Contact: Gary Easterling Website: purpleheart.org McNamara Federal Bldg. Email: [email protected] Phone: 313-964-6640 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1232 Email: [email protected] Detroit, MI 48226 Contact: Billy Traylor Veteran of Foreign Wars
AMVETS Department of Michigan Phone: 313-964-6830 Department Headquarters Email: [email protected] 924 N. Washington Ave. Executive Director Carol Hebert Lansing, MI 48906 106 Thorpe Ave. Roscommon, MI 48653 Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Phone: 517-485-9456 Website: vfwmi.org Phone: 989-821-1152; 989-821-1553 McNamara Federal Bldg. Email: [email protected] Fax: 989-821-1554 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1233 Website: amvetsmichigan.org Detroit, MI 48226 Contact: Rob Price McNamara Federal Bldg. 477 Michigan Ave., Ste 1215 McNamara Federal Bldg., Rm. 1227 Phone: 800-642-4838; 313-471-3985; 313-471-3986 Detroit, MI 48226 477 Michigan Ave. Email: [email protected] Contact: Paul Pirlot Detroit, MI 48226 Contact: Derrick Moss Phone: 313-964-6510 Website: purpleheart.org Phone: 313-471-3982 Email: [email protected] Fax: 313-471-3679
14 Source: Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock.com 15 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
County Service Counselors Alpena Baraga Cass 150 B N. State St. 115 N. Front St. 120 N. Broadway Ste. 215 Alpena, MI 49707 L’Anse, MI 49946 Cassopolis, MI 49031 Michigan Association of County Veterans Contact: George Stevens Contact: Charles Sliger Contact: Thomas Green Phone: 989-354-9671 Phone: 906-524-5454 Phone: 269-969-6735; 269-445-4472 Counselors (MACVC) Email: [email protected] Website: casscountymi.org/veteransaffairs.aspx Bay Email: [email protected] MACVC assists veterans and their families in Antrim 515 Center Ave., 2nd Floor, Rm. 212 obtaining county, state, and federal benefits to Antrim County Bldg., Rm. 205 Bay City, MI 48708 Charlevoix which they are entitled. Trained and accredited P.O. Box 1049 Contact: Arthur Schupback 301 State St county counselors represent veterans regarding Bellaire, MI 49615 Phone: 989-895-4190 Charlevoix, MI 49720 disability and related claims. Contact: Tim Cary ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Contact: Cheryl Young Website: macvc.net Contact: Denelle Fleet ([email protected]) Phone: 231-547-7220 Contact: Deborah Peters ([email protected]) Benzie Website: charlevoixcounty.org Michigan counties which have Veterans Service Phone: 231-533-8499 2650 Lafranier Dr. Email: [email protected] Counselors are listed below, with contact Website: antrimcounty.org/veterans_affairs.asp Traverse City, MI 49686 information for the counselor(s). Email: [email protected] Phone: 231-995-6070 Cheboygan Email: [email protected] 870 S. Main St., Rm. 122 Alcona Cheboygan, MI 49721 106 Fifth St. Berrien Contact: Rick Wiles P.O. Box 308 701 Main St Contact: Sara Cunningham Harrisville, MI 48740 St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 231-627-8833 Contact: Art Winter Contact: Lee Lull Website: cheboygancounty.net/veterans-services-101/ Phone: 989-724-3242 Phone: 269-983-7111 (extension 8118) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: berriencounty.org/veterans Email: [email protected] Chippewa Alger 319 Court St 3rd Fl 101 Court St. Branch Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Munising, MI 49862 570 Marshall Rd., Ste. F Contact: Beth Yeack Contact: Glenn Marshall Coldwater, MI 49036 Contact: Jacqueline Haske Phone: 906-387-1635 Contact: Charles Scott Phone: 906-635-6867; 906-635-6370 Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-279-4322 Website: chippewacountymi.gov/veteran-affairs Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Allegan 3255 122nd Ave., Ste. 200 Calhoun Clare Allegan, MI 49010 190 E. Michigan Ave., 3rd Fl. 225 W. Main St. Contact: Jeremy Binder ([email protected]) Battle Creek, MI 49014 Harrison, MI 48625 Contact: Jacquelyn King ([email protected]) Contact: Kristina Higgins Contact: Renee Haley Contact: Sherry Owens ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Phone: 989-539-3273 Phone: 269-673-0501 Contact: Scott Losey Website: clareco.net ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Phone: 269-969-6737
16 17 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
Clinton Genesee Hillsdale Iron Contact: Natrenah Blackstock 1101 Beach St. 61 McCollum St., Rm. 200 106 W. Genesee St., Ste. 101 ([email protected]) Flint, MI 48502 Hillsdale, MI 49242 Iron River, MI 49935 Contact: Amy Pocan ([email protected]) Contact: John Nelson ([email protected]) Contact: Kenneth Benge Contact: Gerald Williams Contact: John Taylor ([email protected]) Contact: Jeanne Thick ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Phone: 906-265-3819 Contact: Kenneth Love ([email protected]) Phone: 810-257-3068 Contact: Renae Shircliff ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-887-4331 Phone: 517-437-3630 Gladwin Website: co.hillsdale.mi.us/index.php/vets Isabella (also serves Montcalm) Crawford 555 W. Cedar Ave. 200 N. Main St., Rm. 120 Address: 501 Norway St., Ste. #3 Gladwin, MI 48624 Houghton (also serves Keweenaw) Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Grayling, MI 49738 Contact: Krystal Peck 23810 Airpark Blvd. Contact: Ian B. Welch Contact: Judy Umlor Phone: 989-426-4891 Calumet, MI 49913 Phone: 989-317-4093 Phone: 906-387-1635 Website: gladwincounty-mi.gov/departments/ Contact: Joe Battisfore Fax: 989-779-0565 Fax: 989-344-3265 veterans-affairs/ Phone: 906-482-0102 Website: isabellacounty.org/dept/va Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Delta Gogebic Huron Jackson 3300 Airport Rd., Ste. 3 200 N. Moore St. 250 E. Huron Ave., Rm. 101E 1715 Lansing Ave., Rm. 251 Escanaba, MI 49829 Bessemer, MI 49911 Bad Axe, MI 48413 Jackson, MI 49101 Contact: David Dziewior Contact: John Frello Contact: Judy Reimann ([email protected]) Contact: David Welihan Phone: 906-786-7228 Phone: 906-667-1110 Contact: Stephen Young ([email protected]) Phone: 517-788-4425 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Phone: 989-269-8911 Email: [email protected]
Dickinson Grand Traverse (also serves Benzie & Leelanau) Ingham Kalamazoo 800 Crystal Lake Blvd., Ste. 100 2650 LaFranier Rd. Contact: Natrenah Blackstock 3299 Gull Rd. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Traverse City, MI 49686 ([email protected]) Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Contact: Michael Miller Contact: Pat Muoio ([email protected]) Contact: Amy Pocan ([email protected]) Contact: James Mike Hoss Phone: 906-774-2820 Contact: Erin Whitney Contact: John Taylor ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] ([email protected]) Contact: Kenneth Love ([email protected]) Contact: Terry Groves ([email protected]) Contact: Joseph Meredith Phone: 517-887-4331 Phone: 269-373-5284; 269-373-5304 Eaton ([email protected]) Website: va.ingham.org 1045 Independence Blvd. Contact: Angela Merz Kalkaska Charlotte, MI 48813 ([email protected]) Iosco 890 Island Lake Rd., Rm. 8 Contact: Tom Lewis Phone: 231-995-6070 P.O. Box 778 Kalkaska, MI 49646 Phone: 517-543-3740 Website: co.grand-traverse.mi.us Tawas City, MI 48764 Contact: Melanie Pauch Email: [email protected] Contact: Henry Altman ([email protected]) Gratiot Phone: 989-362-6571; 989-254-1041 Contact: Phillip Babcock Emmet 125 E. Newark Email: [email protected] ([email protected]) 3434 M. 119, Ste. D P.O. Box 68 Phone: 231-258-3370; 231-590-6200 Harbor Springs, MI 49740 Ithaca, MI 48847 Website: kalkaskacounty.net/departments/ Contact: James Alton ([email protected]) Contact: Rodolfo Diaz-Pons veterans_affairs/index.php Contact: Richard Wiertalla Phone: 269-969-6737 ([email protected]) Website: gratiotmi.com/Departments/Veterans-Affairs Email: [email protected] Phone: 231-348-1780; 231-348-1783 18 19 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
Kent Livingston Manistee Missaukee 836 Fuller Ave N.E. 2300 E. Grand River Ave., Ste. 109 415 Third St. 105 S Canal St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Howell, MI 48843 Manistee, MI 49660 Lake City, MI 49651 Contact: Richard Goodrich Contact: Susan Caffie ([email protected]) Contact: James Stringham Contact: Ray Moore ([email protected]) Contact: Rose Kenny ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Phone: 231-839-7264 (extension 305) Contact: Ryan Grams Contact: Adam Smiddy ([email protected]) Contact: Karen Korolenko Email: [email protected] ([email protected]) Contact: Dawn Learst ([email protected]) Contact: Santiago Estrada Phone: 517-546-6338 Phone: 231-398-3587 ([email protected]) Website: livgov.com/veterans Montcalm Contact: Carrie Anderson Marquette 613 N. State St. ([email protected]) Luce 425 Fisher St. P.O. Box 212 Contact: Elena Bridges 407 W. Harrie St. Marquette, MI 49855 Stanton, MI 48888 ([email protected]) Newberry, MI 49868 Contact: Sally Ellsworth Contact: Michael Blouch Phone: 616-632-5274; 616-632-5722; Contact: Richard Minard Phone: 906-226-3576 (extension 2520371) ([email protected]) 616-632-5726; Phone: 906-293-4890 Contact: Trevor Wright Fax: 906-293-5944 Keweenaw Mecosta ([email protected]) Website: lucecountyveterans.com Phone: 989-831-7437 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 14485 Northland Dr. Big Rapids, MI 49307 Fax: 989-831-7485 Lapeer Mackinac Contact: Paul Mackersie Monroe 287 W. Nepessing St., Ste. 2 100 N. Marley Phone: 231-592-0124 Lapeer, MI 48446 St. Ignace, MI 49781 Email: [email protected] 965 S. Raisinville Rd. Contact: Cheryl Burrough Contact: Richard L. Litzner Monroe, MI 48161 Contact: Denise Owen Phone: 989-426-4891 Menominee Contact: Kathy Vanderbush Contact: Edward Ronders Email: [email protected] 839 10th Ave. Phone: 734-240-3287 Phone: 810-667-0256 Menominee, MI 49858 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Macomb Contact: Michael Dellisse 21885 Dunham Rd., Ste. 3 Phone: 906-863-5691 Montmorency Leelanau Clinton Twp., MI 48036 Website: menomineecounty.com P.O. Box 789 Phone: 231-995-6070 Contact: Mary Barrette Email: [email protected] 12265 M-32 Website: leelanau.cc/veterans.asp ([email protected]) Atlanta, MI 49709 Email: [email protected] Contact: Lisa M. Duncan-Edwards Midland ([email protected]) Contact: Larry Pascador Lenawee Contact: Marie Goral 220 W. Ellsworth Rd. Phone: 989-785-8043 Email: [email protected] 1040 S. Winter St., Ste. 3017 ([email protected]) Midland, MI 48640 Adrian, MI 49221 Contact: Heidi Heck Contact: Ross Ahlich ([email protected]) Contact: Kelley Elliott ([email protected] ) ([email protected]) Contact: Stephen Tracy ([email protected]) Muskegon Contact: Tammy Sheldon Contact: Laura Rios Phone: 989-832-6843 165 E. Apple Ave., Ste. 201 ([email protected]) Contact: Audricka Jacob Website: co.midland.mi.us/VeteransServices.aspx Muskegon, MI 49442 Phone: 517-264-5335 Contact: Rachel Simons ([email protected]) Contact: David Eling Website: lenawee.mi.us/529/Veterans-Affairs Phone: 231-724-7143 Email: [email protected] Phone: 586-463-3505; 586-469-5315; 586-469-5313 Website: vets.macombgov.org/Vets-Home Email: [email protected]
20 21 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
Newaygo Ogemaw Presque Isle Shiawassee P.O. Box 243 205 S. Eighth St., Rm. 111 151 E. Huron 1st Floor 201 N. Shiawassee, 3rd Floor White Cloud, MI 49349 West Branch, MI 48661 Rogers City, MI 49779 Corunna, MI 48817 Contact: Steven Cain ([email protected]) Contact: Jeffery Nichols Contact: Michael Jermeay Contact: Bill Archer ([email protected]) Contact: Troy Kalbach ([email protected]) Phone: 989-345-5170 Phone: 989-374-0302 Contact: Martha Wilber ([email protected]) Phone: 231-689-7218 Website: ocmi.us/veterans Website: presqueislecounty.org/veterans%20affairs. Phone: 989-743-2636; 989-743-2231 Email: ([email protected]) html Oakland–Pontiac Website: shiawassee.net/Departments/Veterans- Email: [email protected] Affairs 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Bldg. 26E Ontonagon Pontiac, MI 48341 725 Greenland Rd. Roscommon St. Clair Contact: Lauren Chamberlain Ontonagon, MI 49953 ([email protected] Contact: Roy Hartwick 500 Lake St. 200 Grand River Ave., Ste. 104 Contact: Krista Gaberty ([email protected]) Phone: 906-884-6204 Roscommon, MI 48653 Port Huron, MI 48060 Contact: Tyler Kenny ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Contact: Heath Nemeth Contact: Jeffery Arnold ([email protected]) Contact: Stephanie Egres ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Contact: Chris Smith ([email protected]) Contact: Garth Wootten ([email protected]) Oscoda Contact: Lori Darga Contact: Candice Ericksen Contact: Richelle Lucero ([email protected]) 191 S. Mt. Tom Rd. ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Phone: 248-858-0785 P.O. Box 399 Contact: Kevin Sherman Contact: Heidi Slossar ([email protected]) Website: oakgov.com/veterans/pages/default.aspx Mio, MI 48647 ([email protected]) Contact: Merlyn Boshaw Contact: Andrew Welser Oakland–Troy Phone: 989-275-7697 ([email protected]) Phone: 989-786-0355 Website: roscommoncounty.net/201/Veterans Contact: Ryan McCann 1151 Crooks Rd. Fax: 989-786-0356 ([email protected]) Troy, MI 48084 Email: [email protected] Sanilac Phone: 810-989-6945 Contact: Belinda Duggan ([email protected]) Contact: Jerome Jager ([email protected]) Otsego 171 Dawson St., Rm. 227 St. Joseph Contact: Erin Marinco ([email protected]) 225 W. Main St., Rm. 213 Sandusky, MI 48471 Contact: Maggie Speelman Gaylord, MI 49735 Contact: Shannonn Kreger 125 W. Main St. ([email protected]) Contact: Marlene Hopp Phone: 810-648-0212 P.O. Box 189 Contact: Lynda Shaw ([email protected]) Phone: 989-731-7575 Website: sanilaccountyva.org Centreville, MI 49032 Contact: Carly Webster ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: M. Rose Risko Phone: 248-655-1250 Phone: 269-467-5557 Website: oakgov.com/veterans/pages/default.aspx Ottawa Schoolcraft Fax: 269-467-5628 Oceana 12251 James St., #300 300 Walnut St., Rm. 206 Website: stjosephcountymi.org/veterans Holland, MI 49424 Manistique, MI 49854 Email: [email protected] 314 S State St. Contact: Daniel Boter Hart, MI 49420 Contact: Elise Carlson Contact: Loren Snippe Tuscola Contact: Ruth Burmeister Contact: David Ziegler Phone: 906-341-3669 1309 Cleaver Rd., Ste. B Phone: 231-873-6836 Phone: 616-393-8387 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: miottawa.org/departments/veteransaffairs Caro, MI 48723 Email: [email protected] Contact: Mark Zmierski ([email protected]) Contact: Ana Farris ([email protected]) Phone: 989-673-1751; 989-673-8114
22 23 Service Officers/Counselors Who Provide Assistance with VA Benefits
Van Buren 291 Paw Pat St. Paw Paw, MI 49079 Contact: Judy Owen Phone: 269-657-8200; 269-657-7376 Email: [email protected]
Washtenaw 2155 Hogback Rd. P.O. Box 8645 Ann Arbor, MI 48107 Contact: Molly Avila ([email protected]) Contact: Laura Blackemore ([email protected]) Contact: David Saims ([email protected]) Contact: Michael Smith ([email protected]) Phone: 734-973-4540 Website: ewashtenaw.org/government/ departments/veteran_services
Wayne 28 West Adams, Ste. 1710 Detroit, MI 48226 Contact: Jeff Davis ([email protected]) Contact: Heather Owens ([email protected]) Contact: John Garner ([email protected]) Contact: Pamela Teague ([email protected]) Phone: 313-224-5045; 313-224-8163; 313-224-5045
24 General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans
Statewide/National Legal Services Provides lawyers and legal advice to low-income Auburn Hills (FLAC) Legal Aid & Defender Detroit & Wayne County Programs residents of Berrien County or seniors (60+) in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren Counties. Types of 2630 Featherstone Rd. 1240 Third St. Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Detroit, MI 48226 Michigan Legal Services cases include: Elder Law, Family and Juvenile, Housing, Life Planning, Public Benefits, and Phone: 248-335-0125 Phone: 313-967-5800; 877-964-4700 2727 Second Ave., Ste. 333 Veterans’ Benefits. Detroit, MI 48201 Oakland County Office Legal Aid & Defender Oakland County Phone: 313-964-4130 Elder Law & Advocacy Center-Redford Website: milegalservices.org 16130 Northland Dr. Oakland Towne Center 12121 Hemingway Southfield, MI 48075 28 North Saginaw St. Michigan Legal Services provides help with Redford, MI 48239 Pontiac, MI 48342 housing, health and public benefits particularly in Phone: 248-443-8068 low-income communities Phone: 313-937-8291 Phone: 248-253-1548
The Elder Law & Advocacy Center provides St. Clair County Office Michigan Protection & Advocacy Services legal and community information, assistance Legal Aid & Defender Macomb County (MPAS) and referrals to family and other caregivers 803 10th Ave. and recipients of care (free to seniors 60 and Port Huron, MI 48060 32 Market St. Lansing Office: older). The agency must prioritize to persons Mount Clemens, MI 48043 with the greatest economic or social needs first. Phone: 810-985-5107 4095 Legacy Parkway, Ste. 500 Legal issues addressed include but not limited Phone: 586-465-1344 Lansing, MI 48911 to Guardianship/Conservatorship, Wills/Trusts, Tuscola County Office Phone: 517-487-1755; 800-288-5923 Nursing Homes/Assisted Living/ Senior Housing, Legal Assistance Program of Macomb County Marquette Office Powers of Attorney, Medicaid/ Medicare, and 429 North State St., Ste. 103 School Enrollment. P.O. Box #67 Department of Senior Citizens Services 129 W. Baraga Ave. Ste. A Caro, MI 48723 21885 Dunham Rd., Rm. 9 Marquette, MI 49855 Clinton Twp., MI 48036 Phone: 906-228-5910; 866-928-5910 Lakeshore Legal Aid Phone: 989-673-5651 Phone: 586-469-6406 Website: mpas.org Phone: 888-783-8190 (Counsel & Advocacy Law) MPAS provides information, referrals, and possible Website: lakeshorelegalaid.org Legal Aid & Defender Association Provides assistance to seniors age 60 and older. direct representation to persons with disabilities. Provides assistance with: Civil Rights, Consumer, 613 Abbott St. Debt/Credit/Bankruptcy, Education, Elder Law, Detroit, MI 48226 Legal Services of Eastern Michigan Family, Community Education, Juvenile, Home- County/Regional Legal Services less, Housing, Life Planning, Prisoners, Public Phone: 313-967-5555; 877-964-4700 Website: lsem-mi.org Benefits, and Veterans’ Benefits. Website: ladadetroit.org Programs Areas of Legal Assistance: Consumer cases; family Areas of legal assistance: Consumer, housing, matters; housing problems; government benefits, Berrien County Legal Services Bureau Macomb County Office education, family (limited services), expungements such as SSI, Food Stamps and Medicaid; other 901 Port St. (adult and juvenile), and public benefits. The Legal “non-fee-generating” cases. LSEM does not handle Saint Joseph, MI 49085-1116 32 Market St., Ste. 2 Aid and Defender Association serves Macomb, criminal matters. Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Oakland and Wayne counties. Phone: 269-983-6363; 800-310-2798 Flint Office (serves Genesee & Lapeer) Phone: 586-469-5185 Website: berriencounty.org/legalservices 436 S Saginaw St Flint, MI 48502
28 Phone: 800-322-4512 29 General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans
Port Huron Office Escanaba Office Legal Services of South Central Michigan Washtenaw County Office (serves Huron, St. Clair, Sanilac & Tuscola) (LSSCM) 806 Ludington St. 420 N. Fourth Ave. 511 Fort St., Ste. 500 Escanaba, MI 49829 Website: lsscm.org Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Port Huron, MI 48060 Phone: 906-786-2303; 888-786-2303 LSSCM provides services to low-income and senior Phone: 734-665-6181 Phone: 800-322-4512 citizens of Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Gaylord Office Monroe, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, and Washtenaw Western Michigan Legal Services Legal Aid of Saginaw Office (serves Saginaw, Bay, Arenac, Counties. Areas of legal assistance: Obtaining Western Michigan Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, & Midland) 1349 S. Otsego Ave., Unit 7B Gaylord, MI 49735 and retaining housing, public benefits, consumer Website: lawestmi.org 320 S. Washington Ave., Third Floor matters, healthcare, special legal needs, elder law, Email: [email protected] Saginaw, MI 48607 Phone: 989-705-1067; 888-645-9993 and family law. Phone: 800-322-4512 Areas of Legal Assistance: Civil Rights, Consumer, Debt/Credit/Bankruptcy, Disability, Education, Houghton Office Battle Creek Office Elder Law, Employment, Family & Juvenile, Health, Legal Services of Northern Michigan 706 Sharon Ave. 123 W. Territorial Rd. Homeless, Housing, Life Planning, Prisoners, Public Houghton, MI 49931 Battle Creek, MI 49015 Benefits, Veterans’ Benefits. Legal Aid of Western Website: lsnm.org Michigan serves people in 17 counties in the lower Services include: Basic discussion of legal rights; Phone: 906-482-3908; 888-482-2343 Phone: 269-965-3951; 800-688-3951; 877-203-5000 Western part of Michigan with offices in Grand counseling; preparation of letters, documents, Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Niles and St. Joseph. deeds, and pleadings; negotiations; administrative Marquette Office Jackson Office hearings; trials; and, in some cases, appeals. LSNM does not provide service for criminal cases, traffic 112 W. Washington St., Ste. 1 540 N. Jackson St. Grand Rapids Office tickets or “fee-generating” cases. LSNM serves Marquette, MI 49855 Jackson, MI 49201 (serves Kent, Ionia, Mecosta & Montcalm) the following counties: Alcona, Alger, Alpena, Antrim, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Phone: 906-228-5620; 888-228-5590 Phone: 517-787-6111 25 Division Ave. S, Ste .300 Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Sault Ste. Marie Lansing Office Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Phone: 616-774-0672; 800-442-2777 Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, 130 W. Spruce St. 3490 Belle Chase Way, #50 Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Oscoda, P.O. Box 710 Lansing, MI 48911 Holland Office (serves Allegan & Ottawa) Otsego, Presque isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 and Wexford. Phone: 800-968-0044 636 Hastings St. Phone: 906-632-3361; 888-632-9313 Holland, MI 49423
Alpena Office Monroe Office Phone: 616-394-1380 Traverse City Office 123 N 2nd Ave., Ste. 1 1118 S. Telegraph Rd., Ste. A Alpena, MI 49707 221 Garland St., Ste. H Monroe, MI 48161 Kalamazoo Office Traverse City, MI 49684 (serves Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph & Van Buren) Phone: 989-356-9081; 888-356-9009 Phone: 888-251-1598; 734-241-8310 Phone: 231-941-0771; 888-941-9599 Van Buren Counties 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. Rm. 308 Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 269-344-8113 30 31 General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans
Muskegon Office (serves Lake, Mason, Legal Clinic • Immigration Rights and Civil Advocacy Clinic • Child Advocacy Law Clinic – The Child Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana & Osceola) 610 Abbot Rd. – The Immigration Rights and Civil Advocacy Advocacy Law Clinic represents parents, Lansing, MI 48823 Clinic provides assistance to immigrants with children, foster parents, and relatives involved Hume Building both immigration issues and civil matters that in the foster-care system. Representation is 450 Morris Ave., Ste. 302 Phone 517-336-8088 may include asylum, cancellation of removal, provided primarily in Washtenaw, Genesee, Muskegon, MI 49440 Website: law.msu.edu/clinics foreclosure prevention, wage and hour claims, Livingston and Wayne counties. Phone: 231-726-4887 • Civil Rights Clinic – The Civil Rights Clinic or similar issues. Phone: 734-763-5000 focuses on assisting prisoners incarcerated in • Cooley Innocence Project – The project’s • Pediatric Advocacy Clinic – The Pediatric Michigan prisons with litigating violations of mission is to identify, provide legal assistance St. Joseph Office (serves Berrien) their rights under the U.S. Constitution. Advocacy Clinic seeks to improve the health and to, and secure the release of persons who are quality of life of low-income pediatric patients 901 Port St • Pleas & Sentencing Clinic – The Plea and wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they did not and their families by integrating high-quality P.O. Box E Sentencing Clinic collaborates with the State commit. The clinic also accepts cases where legal advocacy to unite health care providers, St. Joseph, MI 49085 Appellate Defender Office, which represents DNA evidence may establish innocence. attorneys, and social workers. Phone: 269-983-6363 indigent criminal defendants on appeal. • Public Defenders Clinics – The Public Phone: 734-763-1942 • Housing Clinic – The Housing Clinic provides Defenders Clinics provide assistance with Email: [email protected] services – from educational information to a variety of criminal and juvenile cases in Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan Washtenaw County. • Michigan Innocence Clinic – The Michigan (NLSM) courtroom representation – to citizens who Innocence Clinic provides assistance to have some type of issue related to housing. • Sixty Plus, Inc. Elderlaw Clinic – The Elderlaw prisoners who have new evidence that may Free Legal Aid Clinic • Alvin L. Storrs Low-Income Taxpayers Clinic Clinic provides assistance to clients who are 60 establish that they are actually innocent of the 5425 Woodward years old and older and residents of Ingham, crimes for which they have been convicted and Detroit, MI 48202 – The Tax Clinic provides tax-related legal services to Michigan taxpayers who are in Eaton, and Clinton counties in general civil law focuses on innocence cases where there is no areas. biological evidence (e.g., DNA) to be tested. Phone: 313-833-0058 controversy with the Internal Revenue Service Website: nlsmichigan.org (IRS) and educational services relating to tax Phone: 734-763-9353 matters to those for whom English is a second Areas of legal assistance: Bankruptcy, Domestic language. University of Detroit Mercy School of Law • Low-Income Tax-Payer Clinic – The Low- Violence/PPO, Disability, Housing, Elder Law Income Tax-Payer Clinic provides assistance to Advocacy, HIV and AIDS Advocacy, Crime Victim Thomas M. Cooley Law School George J. Asher Law Clinic taxpayers to resolve issues when the amount Advocacy, and Children’s Justice Center – (Youth 651 East Jefferson Ave. is $50,000 or less per tax year. The clinic assists Enrichment and Parent Support Services). Provides 300 S Capitol Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 with issues such as: IRS notices, liens and levies, P.O. Box 13038 assistance to residents of metropolitan Detroit Phone: 888-836-5294 offers and compromise, installment agreements, Lansing, MI 48901 spouse relief, hearings and appeals conferences, Phone: 517-371-5140 Criminal Trial Clinic – The Criminal Trial Clinic tax audits, tax credit eligibility and denials, and Law School Clinics & Related Email: [email protected] assists misdemeanor defendants in district courts. taxpayer identification number issues. Programs Phone: 734-936-3535 • Estate Planning Clinic – The Estate Planning Clinic provides assistance with drafting wills, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law • The Juvenile Justice Clinic – The Juvenile Michigan State University College of Law powers of attorney, and medical directives. Justice Clinic assists minors charged with 701 S State St Law College Building violations of the criminal law and status offenses • Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP) - Ann Arbor, MI 48109 648 N. Shaw Lane in Michigan’s family courts. FLAP represents individuals in family law and East Lansing, MI 48824 domestic violence matters in Oakland County Phone: 734-763-5000 Phone: 517-432-6800 Circuit Court only. Phone: 248-335-0125 32 33 General Legal Services for Low-Income Individuals, Including Veterans
• Michigan General Law Program / Pro Bono Programs Hotlines & Websites for Information, WomensLaw.org The General Clinic - The General Clinic Advice & Referrals provides assistance for cases that include Phone: 800-799-7233 (SAFE) Website: womenslaw.org landlord-tenant, consumer fraud, contract Legal Aid Bureau of Southwestern Michigan These resources provide advice or information on disputes, prisoners’ civil rights, discrimination Pro Bono Program (serves Cass, Kalamazoo, St. particular issues, and in some cases may provide 24 hour confidential hotline that provides state- and sexual harassment, political asylum and Joseph & Van Buren) referrals. specific legal information and resources for refugee, mortgage foreclosure, criminal survivors of domestic abuse, their advocates, friends 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave, Ste. 308 misdemeanor defense, torts, habeas corpus, Elder Law of Michigan and family members. debt collection defense, social security, or Kalamazoo, MI 49007 other public benefits claims. Phone: 517-485-9164; 866-400-9164 Phone: 800-819-0773 Website: elderlawofmi.org 363 Legal Research Building Case Types include: Adoption, Bankruptcy, CED, Email: [email protected] 801 Monroe Street Consumer, Custody, Dissolution of Marriage, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 The hotline provides free legal advice to clients Domestic Violence, Elder Law, Housing, Public age 60 and over on Social Security, Medicare, Benefits, Real Estate, Wills, and Estates Phone: 734-763-4319 Consumer Law, Wills/Probate, Long Term Care and Email: [email protected] related issues. There is no income requirement, and Wayne State University Law School Western Michigan Legal Services Pro Bono disabled individuals of any age are eligible. Program of Western Michigan 471 W. Palmer St. The legal hotline is open Monday through Thursday Detroit, MI 48202 Cornerstone Building 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 89 Ionia Ave., NW, Ste. 400 Phone: 313-577-3933 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Email: [email protected] Legal Hotline for Michigan Citizens Phone: 616-742-6078 115 W. Allegan, Ste. 720 Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights Website: lawestmi.org Lansing, MI 48933 471 W. Palmer St. The Pro Bono Program of Western Michigan Phone: 800-347-5297; 517-372-5959 Detroit, MI 48202 provides free legal assistance to low income persons and seniors in civil matters Clients must Phone: 313-577-3620 be referred by and qualify for eligibility under Email: [email protected] Michigan Legal Aid Western Michigan Legal Services guidelines • Disability Law Clinic – The Disability including income and priorities Serves Allegan, 3815 West St. Joseph, Ste. C200 Law Clinic assists adults and children with Berrien, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Lansing, MI 48917 Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newago, Oceana, disabilities on a range of issues, including The Legal Hotline for Michigan Citizens offers Osceola, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren social security, special education, and free access to experienced attorneys for Michigan Counties. Medicaid/Medicare. Serves Wayne, Macomb residents age 60 and older. The hotline provides and Oakland Counties. Additional information regarding pro bono advice on issues such as Medicare and Medicaid, Phone: (313) 577-4015 resources can be found in the Pro Bono Manual Social Security, medical bills, wills and probate, real (michbar.org/programs/probonomanual), estate, personal injury, landlord/tenant relations, • Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer compiled by the State Bar of Michigan’s Pro Bono and family law. Clinic – The clinic provides legal assistance Initiative. with issues involving insurance, housing, employment, long-term planning, and public benefits. Thereis no geographical limitation; however, services are limited to patients receiving treatment from Karmanos Cancer 34 Center. Referral Services for Fee-Based Legal Help for All Individuals Referral Services for Fee-Based Legal Help for All Individuals
Referral services attempt to link individuals seeking advice or representation regarding a legal issue, with an attorney who practices in the applicable area of law.
State Bar of Michigan Washtenaw County Bar Association Lawyer Referral (serves Washtenaw, Western Wayne, Lenawee, Livingston, & Monroe)
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service P.O. Box 8645 Lawyer Referral Service Ann Arbor, MI 48107 306 Townsend St. Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 734-996-3229 Website: washbar.org Website: michbar.org/LRS/Intro
The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral and Grand Rapids Bar Association Information Service (LRIS) is designed to assist (serves Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, & Allegan) members of the public who want to hire an attorney and can afford to pay for legal services. Lawyer Referrals and Information Services 161 There is an initial 30-minute consultation fee, and Ottawa Ave. NW, Ste. 203B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 all fees beyond the initial 30-minute consultation must be negotiated with the attorney. Phone: 616-454-5550 Website: grbar.org County & Local Bar Association Genesee County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Programs Phone: 810-232-6012; 810-232-6000 Macomb County Bar Association Website: gcbalaw.org (serves Macomb & St. Clair)
Lawyer Referral Service Other Lawyer Referral Sources 40 N. Main St., Ste. 435 Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 American Immigration Lawyers Association Phone: 586-468-8300 Website: macombbar.org Phone: 202-507-7600 Website: ailalawyer.com Oakland County Bar Association National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Lawyer Referral Service 1760 S. Telegraph Rd., Ste. 100 Website: aela.org Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 National Organization of Social Security Claimant’s Phone: 248-338-2100 Representatives Website: ocba.org Phone: 800-431-2804 38 39 Legal Aid Clinics Legal Aid Clinics
Legal Aid Clinics provide advice from attorneys and possible referrals. However, attorneys who assist at Legal Aid Clinics rarely represent the individual after providing advice to him or her at the Clinic. WBLAC provides free legal services to peo- ple from Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties who live at or below national poverty guidelines. Cabrini Clinic of Most Holy Trinity Church Clinics held on alternate Tuesdays. Attorneys The clinic provides legal services in the following provide advice, document preparation and some areas: divorce/family law, landlord/tenant, public 1050 Porter St follow-up. Detroit, MI 48226 benefits and entitlements, employment and No income requirement, but must be a Southfield, workplace law, juvenile/guardianship, immigration, Phone: 313-961-7863 MI resident. Areas in which legal advice is general advocacy and child/spousal abuse. Website: cabriniclinic.org provided: Landlord/tenant disputes; divorce and The clinic does not handle lawsuits. Free legal clinic on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. family law matters; wills; probate matters; traffic violations.
Common Ground Legal Clinic Third Level Crisis Intervention Center Phone: 248-451-3753 Website: commongroundhelps.org Legal Services Program 3785 Veterans Dr. Open to all Michigan residents. Consultations, Traverse City, MI 49684 recommendations and referrals provided on all legal issues. Phone: 231-922-4802 Website: cfsnwmi.org/thirdlevel Tuesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at: Email: [email protected]
Common Ground The Free Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC) is held every 1410 South Telegraph Rd. Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m.. It is an opportunity Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 for individuals to receive private, free and confidential legal advice and problem clarification Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at: from attorneys from the Grand Traverse-Leelanau- Antrim Bar Association. Oakland County Courthouse Adams-Pratt Law Library; 2nd Floor Issues Addressed: Consumer, Employment, Family 1200 North Telegraph Rd. and Juvenile, Public Benefits, and Veterans. Serves Pontiac, MI 48341 Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim and Kalkaska Counties
Southfield Legal Clinic William Booth Legal Aid Clinic of the Salvation 26000 Evergreen Army Southfield, MI 48076 3737 Lawton St. Phone: 248-796-4540 Detroit, MI 48208 Website: cityofsouthfield.com Phone: 313-361-6340 Website: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/emi/ williamboothlegalaidclinic Email: [email protected] 42 43 ww+
Self-Help Resources for Pro Se Assistance Self-Help Resources for Pro Se Assistance
Legal Aid Clinics provide advice from attorneys and possible referrals. However, attorneys who assist at Legal Aid Clinics rarely represent the individual after providing advice to him or her at the Clinic. Pro-se means someone who represents themselves in a legal proceeding without the aid of an attorney— someone who does not retain a lawyer
Michigan Courts: One Court of Justice
Website: courts.mi.gov/self-help/pages/default.aspx
The Michigan Courts Self-Help Center helps individuals to find legal assistance, learn about Michigan law, and to represent themselves in some legal matters.
Resources that can be found on the site include brochures, other public information materials, and self-help forms and instructions packets to help access the Michigan court system and to provide guidance to trial courts in areas such as sexual harassment, racial and gender bias, general discrimination, interpreters and self-help services.
MIchigan Legal Help / Michigan Legal Aid
Website: michiganlegalhelp.org Website: michiganlegalaid.org
The Michigan Legal Help website was created to help people who have to handle simple civil legal problems without a lawyer.
The website provides articles, toolkits, forms, lawyer referral, self-help centers and community services.
46 Department of Attorney General 525 W. Ottawa St. Lansing, MI 48909 mi.gov/ag