Volunteer Lawyer Manual West Tennessee Edition …justiceforalltn.com/sites/default/files/TFJA...
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Volunteer Lawyer Manual West Tennessee Edition February 2014
Transcript of Volunteer Lawyer Manual West Tennessee Edition …justiceforalltn.com/sites/default/files/TFJA...
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Volunteer Lawyer Manual
West Tennessee Edition
February 2014
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Table of Contents
I. Program Overview………………………………………………………………...3
II. State Attorney Participation……………………………………………………….5
III. Legal Service Organizations………………………………………………………6
a. General Legal Help………………………………………………………..6
b. Arts………………………………………………………………………...8
c. Consumer and Debt………………………………………………………..9
d. Disability…………………………………………………………………10
e. Domestic Violence and/or Immigration………………………………….11
f. Elder……………………………………………………………………...14
g. Healthcare………………………………………………………………..15
h. Housing and Homelessness………………………………………………16
i. Human Rights……………………………………………………………18
j. Identity Theft…………………………………………………………….18
k. Immigration………………………………………………………………19
l. Pension Rights…………………………………………………………...21
m. Veterans………………………………………………………………….21
IV. Mediation Centers………………………………………………………………..23
V. Social Service Resources………………………………………………………...24
VI. Self-Represented Litigants Resources…………………………………………...35
VII. Other Legal Resources…………………………………………………………...38
VIII. Frequent Legal Topics and Potential Solutions………………………………….39
a. Birth Certificates…………………………………………………………39
b. Child Support and Family Issues………………………………………...40
c. Conservatorship and Power of Attorney…………………………………42
d. Criminal Issues and Expungement……………………………………….43
e. Domestic and Dating Violence…………………………………………..44
f. Driver’s License Issues…………………………………………………..46
g. Food Stamps……………………………………………………………..48
h. Homeless Veterans……………………………………………………….49
i. Immigration and Asylum………………………………………………...50
j. Landlord and Tenant Issues……………………………………………...52
k. Mental Illness and Addiction…………………………………………….53
l. Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending…………………………………54
m. Social Security Disability Benefits………………………………………55
n. Subsidized Housing and Home Ownership……………………………...56
o. Suicide Prevention……………………………………………………….57
p. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families………………………………58
q. Unemployment Benefits…………………………………………………59
r. Wage Garnishment Issues………………………………………………..60
IX. Legal Clinics in West Tennessee………………………………………………...61
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Program Overview
The Problem
More than 35 million Americans live below the poverty level, and another 10
million have incomes that are less than 25% higher than the poverty level. At least 40%
of these Americans have a legal problem of some kind each year. About 70% of low-
income Tennesseans experience some type of legal problem each year. Approximately
one million Tennesseans need legal counsel and cannot afford it. However, with only 75
or so Legal Aid attorneys, most of those low income individuals have limited or no
access to legal counsel. They often do not turn to the system for solutions because they
feel shut off from the legal system or believe the system will not help them.
Tennessee Access to Justice Commission
The Access to Justice Commission was created by the Supreme Court to develop
a strategic plan for improving access to justice in Tennessee that includes education of
the public, identification of priorities to meet the need of improved access to justice, and
recommendations to the Supreme Court of projects and programs the Commission
determines to be necessary and appropriate for enhancing access to justice in Tennessee.
The Commission unveiled its first strategic plan in 2010, the second in 2012, and the
third in 2014. One aspect of the strategic plan is to incorporate the faith-based
communities into the initiatives of the Access to Justice Commission.
The Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance (TFJA)
The TJFA is a project of the Access to Justice Commission. It is an alliance of
faith-based groups in Tennessee who commit to providing legal resources to their
congregations and communities. The TFJA was created to align legal needs that surface
at local churches with local legal resources. The goal is to deliver legal services to those
who often seek assistance in non-legal settings such as a place of worship.
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Malpractice Insurance
• You have full malpractice coverage for any work you do through the TFJA.
• Please complete the Malpractice Insurance Form from the Acceptance Packet and
send it by email, fax, or mail to Christina Magráns, Pro Bono Coordinator. We
need the following information:
– Name and BPR Number of the volunteer attorney
– Type of case the volunteer attorney took
– What actions the volunteer attorney took on the case (also report this to
the program’s lead coordinator)
– Number of hours the volunteer attorney spent on the case
TFJA Contact Information
Christina Magráns
Pro Bono Coordinator
(615) 741-2687 x1414
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State Attorney Participation
State attorneys should be able to participate in the Faith-Based Initiative as we partner
with the legal service provider, TALS, to provide the attorneys with the required
malpractice insurance. Depending on the particular agency, state attorneys may have to
limit their participation to serving as a resource for legal referrals and basic legal
information, rather than taking on full representation. State attorneys should contact the
Access to Justice Commission regarding barriers to participation.
• Judicial Branch Attorneys
o The pro bono activities of Judicial Branch attorneys are governed by
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 5 and Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-804.
o Although these attorneys are precluded from representing a client in court,
the rule and statute makes clear that these attorneys are still able to
participate in pro bono legal activities through an organized legal services
provider that provides malpractice insurance for that attorney.
• Attorney General’s Office Attorneys
o The pro bono activities of attorneys in the Attorney General’s Office are
governed by internal policies as well as Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-6-107.
o Similar to judicial branch attorneys, these attorneys may participate in pro
bono activities as long as they do so through an organized legal services
provider that provides malpractice insurance for that attorney. In addition,
the attorneys in this office also need to seek approval from their
supervising attorney to participate.
• Executive Branch Attorneys
o The pro bono activities of attorneys of executive branch agencies are
governed by the internal policies of each agency as well as Tenn. Code
Ann. § 23-3-102.
The statute makes clear that these attorneys are able to participate in pro bono legal
activities through an organized legal services provider that provides malpractice
insurance for that attorney, barring any restriction from the particular agency of which
they are employed.
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Legal Service Organizations
GENERAL LEGAL HELP
Community Legal Center (CLC)
About: CLC provides pro bono legal services, educational programs, and
legal clinics, to persons of limited means in Shelby County.
Contact: 910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, TN 39128
(901) 543-3395
Website: http://www.clcmemphis.com/
Jackson Pro Bono Program About: If you have a case that you cannot handle or cannot refer to another
member within the Alliance to handle, you may contact the
Jackson Pro Bono Program, a local program that coordinates the
provision of free legal representation to low-income people.
Website: http://www.probono.net/oppsguide/organization.135812-
West_Tennessee_Legal_Services_Inc_Pro_Bono_Project_Jackson
Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS)
About: MALS provides numerous services for west Tennesseans. MALS
serves the counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton.
Requirement for Services:
Clients who meet financial guidelines for low-income households
are eligible for assistance from WTLS.
Clients who are 60 years of age or older are eligible for assistance
from WTLS.
Contact: For Shelby County, call (901) 523-8822; for other service counties,
call (901) 476-1808 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the MALS
website at http://www.malsi.org/contact.php to find an office near
you at. Referrals should call before they come in.
Services: MALS is able to assist with cases involving family, juvenile,
housing, property, consumer, civil rights, health, public benefits,
and elder law, as well as some other areas of law.
Website: http://www.malsi.org/ (general website)
http://www.las.org/booklets/ (Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands – use this for informational brochures only)
http://www.laet.org/Need-Help/Legal-Information.aspx (Legal Aid
of East Tennessee informational brochures)
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Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) About: TALS is an alliance of the federally-funded legal aid programs,
independent providers of civil legal services, and supporting
agencies in Tennessee.
Services:
Online TN Justice
People in need of legal services may access this resource at
http://www.onlinetnjustice.org/. The system screens clients for
eligibility and, if qualified, allows them to post a question to a
private messaging system. The questions are answered by private
attorneys volunteering their time. A client using OnlineTNJustice
has the ability to check the system for answers at any time. Only
the name of the client is shared with the volunteer attorney
assisting them.
aLEGALz
This free legal hotline assists Tennesseans in finding resources to
deal with civil legal issues. Those who cannot afford a lawyer may
call the line at 888-aLEGALz (1-888-253-4259) and leave a
message at any time. Calls will be returned by a licensed
Tennessee lawyer.
Contact: 50 Vantage Way, Suite 250, Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 627-0956
Website: http://www.tals.org/
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West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS)
About: WTLS provides numerous beneficial services for people in west
Tennessee. WTLS serves counties as east as Benton, Decatur,
Hardin and Henry except for the counties of Fayette, Lauderdale,
Shelby and Tipton
Requirement for Services:
Clients who meet financial guidelines for low-income households
are eligible for assistance from WTLS.
Clients who are 60 years of age or older are eligible for assistance
from WTLS.
Contact: Call (731) 423-0616 or (800) 372-8346 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. or by visiting the website to find an office near you at
http://www.wtls.org/Contactus.htm. Referrals should call before
they come in.
Services: WTLS is able to assist with cases involving family, juvenile,
public benefits, health, housing, and elder law, as well as some
other areas of law.
Website: http://www.wtls.org/ (general website)
http://www.las.org/booklets/ (Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands – use this for informational brochures only)
http://www.laet.org/Need-Help/Legal-Information.aspx (Legal Aid
of East Tennessee informational brochures)
ARTS
Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts (VLPA)
About: VLPA provides legal assistance and education to low-income
artists and non-profit arts organizations statewide. VLPA operates
on an ongoing basis assisting clients both in-house through our
volunteer legal associates and legal interns or by matching them
with a pro bono volunteer lawyer. They also host quarterly legal
clinics in the community.
Contact: Casey Summar, Executive Director
1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212
Website: http://www.abcnashville.org/programs/vlpa
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CONSUMER AND DEBT
State of Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division About: This resource allows those in need to access resources and
information to file complaints with businesses.
Requirement: The consumer must live in Tennessee, or the business must be
located in Tennessee. Consumers are urged to contact the business,
its manager, and owner/headquarters before filing a complaint.
Services: After unsuccessfully talking with the business, its manager, and its
owner/headquarters, consumers may file a complaint with the
Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. Complaint forms are
available online.
Contact: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-4737
Website: www.tn.gov/consumer/complaint.shtml
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DISABILITY
Disability Law and Advocacy Center (DLAC)
About: DLAC advocates for the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities to
ensure that they have an equal opportunity to be productive and
respected members of our society.
Services: For people who qualify, DLAC may be able to assist with
problems related to disabilities including:
Abuse and neglect outside of the home
Discrimination in housing, transportation, employment
Access to public and private programs and services
Access to mental health, rehabilitation and support services
Access to appropriate education programs and services
Obtaining and utilizing assistive technology services and
devices
Access to vocational rehabilitation services that promote
employment and independence
Requirements: All people with disability-related concerns are eligible for
information and referral services. Acceptance of direct advocacy
and legal cases must be determined by federal guidelines and
public-driven priorities.
Contact: 2416 21st Avenue South, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-1080 or 1-800-342-1660 (toll free) [email protected]
Website: http://dlactn.org/
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
About: This website provides a way for families and individuals to find
disability resources and services in Tennessee.
Contact: (800) 640-4636
Website: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/pathfinder/
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR IMMIGRATION
An Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
About: This is a resource that lists resources available including shelters
and safe houses to domestic violence victims by county. Visit the
website below for local contact information depending on what
resources are required.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/tndv.shtml
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
About: This program assists victims of crimes or, in the case of a victim's
death, their dependent relatives. These payments are intended to
defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs,
and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal
injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally
include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual
assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
Contact: 14th Floor, Andrew Jackson Building, 502 Deaderick Street,
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2734
Website: http://www.treasury.state.tn.us/injury/
Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County
About: This resource provides civil, criminal, health and social services
for victims of family violence. Services include assistance with
Orders of Protection, court advocacy, advice, consultation with the
District Attorney, law enforcement reports, support in prosecution,
safety planning, referrals to shelters, victim counseling, referrals to
behavioral health and substance abuse help, and religious support.
Contact: 1750 Madison Avenue, Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38104 (physical)
P.O. Box 40091, Memphis, TN 38174 (mailing)
(901) 222-4400
Website: http://www.familysafetycenter.org/
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Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center
About: This resource provides shelter, transportation, counseling, support
groups, advocacy, case management, referrals, and more to the
counties of Madison, Gibson, McNairy, Henderson, Decatur,
Benton, Crockett, Haywood, Hardin, Hardeman, Chester, Carroll,
Henry, and Wayne.
Contact: 62 Directors Row, Jackson, TN 38305
(800) 273-8712
Website: http://www.wraptn.org/home.html
Shelby County Rape Crisis Center
About: This resource provides forensic nursing, advocacy and counseling
services regardless of whether or not the victim is reporting to law
enforcement.
Contact: 1750 Madison Avenue, Suite 102, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 222-4350
Website: http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/index.aspx?NID=737
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
About: This Coalition provides civil legal services to sexual assault and
domestic violence victims, including services for immigrants. The
Coalition takes court referrals, walk-ins, and outside referrals. Call
on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to
complete an intake.
Services: Clients who are sexual assault victims may receive help with civil
legal issues relating to the sexual assault, including assistance with
divorce and breaking a lease. Clients who are immigrants and are
victims of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking may
receive help with immigration issues as well. The Coalition also
provides some emergency services regardless of immigration
status at 800-289-9018 or www.tncoalition.org/#/findhelp.html.
Contact: Robin Kimbrough, Legal Counsel
2 International Drive, Suite 425, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 386-9406 or (800) 289-9018 (toll free)
Website: http://tncoalition.org/
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Tennessee Economic Council on Women
About: This resource provides a directory for resources for domestic
violence. Resources include 24 hour hotlines, information on
Criminal Injuries Compensations, assault centers, and local
resources.
Contact: 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-799-7233
Website: http://tn.gov/sos/ecw/domestic_sexual_violence.html
WomensLaw.Org
About: This resource provides services and information on laws that
impact domestic violence victims. Legal topics include restraining
orders, divorce, child custody, guns, parental kidnapping, and
crimes. Tribal and religious laws impacting domestic violence are
also included.
Website: http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state_type.php?type_id=1638
&state_code=TN
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
About: The YWCA offers victim advocacy in court, immigrant women’s
services, safety planning and crisis intervention, education on
victim’s rights and victim compensation, navigation of the justice
system, shelter, referrals for and assistance accessing essential
services, and referrals to support groups.
Contact: 766 S. Highland Street, Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-2211
Website: http://www.memphisywca.org/
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ELDER
Aging Commission of the Mid South
About: This resource has the goals of advocating for and assisting older
adults and adults with disabilities in leading independent,
meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and
communities as long as possible. This resource serves the counties
of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton.
Contact: 2670 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 1000, Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 222-4100
Website: http://www.agingcommission.org/home0.aspx
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability Services: Access information on health needs and available services; get
information on Alzheimer’s and dementia; report cases of elder
abuse; contact an advocate for the elderly in a facility; get
information on guardianship issues; get counseling on Medicare;
access a directory of Senior Centers; find information on home
makers, personal care, and meal delivery; access Tennessee SHIP
(State Health Insurance Assistance Program); and find local
services providers.
Contact: Laverdia McCullough, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2056
Website: www.tn.gov/comaging
www.tnmedicarehelp.com/index.aspx (Tennessee SHIP)
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Tennessee Ombudsman Program
About: This program helps residents and families resolve questions or
problems by providing information on the admission process to
nursing or assisted living facilities, by advocating for solutions, by
working with and making referrals to other agencies, and by
clarifying facility policies and regulations. Ombudsman can
address concerns regarding qualify of care, financial information,
resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. Also included
are questions regarding nursing homes, homes for the aged,
assisted care living facilities, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Contact: Laura Brown, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 253-4392 or 877-236-0013
Website: http://www.tn.gov/comaging/ombudsman.shtml
HEALTHCARE
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
About: This agency is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral
health of the nation.
Contact: To find helpful resources nearby, visit http://beta.samhsa.gov/find-
help or http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/. Call (800) 662-HELP
(4357).
Website: http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants
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Tennessee Justice Center (TJC)
About: The TJC is a non-profit, public interest law and advocacy firm
serving families in need. TJC gives priority to policy issues and
civil cases in which the most basic necessities of life are at stake,
and where advocacy can benefit families statewide.
Focus: TJC focuses on providing services to those who are in need of
TennCare or who are already eligible for TennCare. TJC helps
low-income families obtain essential health care, food aid, and
family assistance. TJC also provides information to the uninsured
and provides information on the Affordable Care Act. TJC does
not assist people with private insurance.
Requirements: To qualify for assistance, clients must be uninsured or potentially
eligible for or already receiving TennCare.
Contact: 301 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 255-0331 or 1-877-608-1009 (toll free)
Website: http://www.tnjustice.org/
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Community Alliance for the Homeless and Project Homeless Connect Memphis
About: Community Alliance for the Homeless provides to those with
housing issues referrals to shelters, utility assistance, and
emergency services. Project Homeless Connect (“PHC”) links
homeless individuals and families with the resources needed to
help them move toward housing and self-sufficiency. PHC is a
one-day event that provides help in legal issues, employment,
mental and substance abuse, medical screenings, and more.
Contact: 44 N. Second Street, Suite 302, Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-1302
Website: http://www.communityallianceforthehomeless.com/
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Mortgage Assistance Hotline About: This resource provides assistance for homeowners facing
foreclosure and mortgage issues. The hotline is staffed Monday
through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.
Services: Callers can get free counseling over the phone or a referral for in-
person counseling at a local nonprofit. This program provides
relief to eligible homeowners such as loan modifications,
refinance, forbearance, and short sales. The program also sets out
new servicing standards for the servicers to implement to improve
communications with these servicers.
Contact: (855) 876-7283
Website: http://tn.gov/attorneygeneral/
National Alliance to End Homelessness About: This Alliance works with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and
policies that help communities achieve the goal of ending
homelessness.
Contact: 1518 K Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 638-1526
Website: http://endhomelessness.org/
National Coalition for the Homeless
About: This resource links people who are currently experiencing or who
have experienced homelessness with activists and advocates,
community-based and faith-based service providers, and others
who are committed to preventing and ending homelessness,
ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness
are met, protecting civil rights.
Services: Justice in the areas of housing, economics, healthcare, and civil
rights through public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots
organizing.
Contact: 2201 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Website: http://nationalhomeless.org/
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Tennessee Human Rights Commission
About: In addition to providing other services, the Human Rights
Commission helps those who believe they have been discriminated
against in the context of housing issues.
Contact: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 23rd floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(800) 251-3589
Website: http://tn.gov/humanrights/
HUMAN RIGHTS
Tennessee Human Rights Commission
About: This Commission is responsible for enforcing the Tennessee
Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act which
prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public
accommodation on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin,
religion, sex, disability, familial status (housing only) and age (40
and over in employment). The Commission is also responsible for
coordinating the state’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race,
color and national origin by state agencies receiving federal
financial assistance.
Contact: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 23rd floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(800) 251-3589 (general information) or (800) 325-9664 (housing)
Website: http://tn.gov/humanrights/
IDENTITY THEFT
Criminal Investigation Division
About: This website is a guide that provides victims of identity theft with
access to major resources to contact in order to protect their
identity from further theft, details the steps victims should take,
and provides contact information for additional resources.
Contact: 1148 Foster Avenue, Cooper Hall, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 251-5166
Website: http://www.tn.gov/safety/cididtheft.shtml
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Federal Trade Commission
About: This commission prevents unfair, anticompetitive, or deceptive
business practices. This commission accepts complaints for
identity theft and consumer issues.
Contact: 1-877-382-4357.
Website: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
IMMIGRATION
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee
About: Catholic Charities offers a variety of services to meet the needs of
a diverse population in the west Tennessee area. Please note that
sometimes there are fees involved.
Services: These programs include feeding the hungry, adoption and
pregnancy counseling, child welfare services, refugee and
immigration services, family counseling, housing as well as
services for seniors.
Contact: 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
901-722-4700
Website: http://www.ccwtn.org/
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)
About: JFON is a faith driven ministry, welcoming Immigrants into our
communities by providing high quality immigration legal services,
education, and advocacy.
Services: JFON specializes in U-Visas, T-Visas, and Special Juvenile Visas.
JFON holds monthly intake clinics at local churches, but there is
no geographical service limitation. JFON’s waiting list is very
long, so call (615) 823-1945 and leave a message requesting an
appointment.
Contact: Adrienne Kittos, Legal Director
2195 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 835-2512
Website: www.tnjfon.org
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Southern Migrant Legal Services
About: Southern Migrant Legal Services is a project of Texas RioGrande
Legal Aid to provide free legal services to migrant and seasonal
farm workers. The Nashville office serves the entire state of
Tennessee.
Services: SMLS focuses on worker’s compensation, immigration, U Visas, T
Visas, and abandoned children.
Contact: 311 Plus Park Boulevard, Suite 135, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 750-1200 or (866) 721-7828 (toll free)
Website: http://www.trla.org/office/nashville-smls
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
About: The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is a
statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration to help
immigrants and refugees develop a unified voice, defend their
rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as
positive contributors to the state.
Services: Community education on immigration issues, promotion of
involvement and advocacy in the legislative process involving
changes in immigration law, immigrant integration, promotion of
community dialogue about immigration issues, and promotion of
youth involvement in immigration issues.
Contact: 446 Metroplex Drive, Building A, Suite 224, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 833-0384
Website: http://www.tnimmigrant.org/
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PENSION RIGHTS
Mid-America Pension Rights Project
About: The Mid-America Pension Rights Project is a project of Elder Law
of Michigan. This resource helps those with pension issues
including denials.
Services: This resource finds and calculates retirement benefits, explains and
advises clients on pension rights, investigates denials, and resolves
pension and retirement benefit issues for those with pension issues.
Contact: 1-866-735-7737 from 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Website: www.mid-americapensions.org
VETERANS
American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, Veterans’
Directory
About: The American Bar Association’s initiative on homelessness and
poverty created a directory of resources for veterans.
Website: www.ctdol.state.ct.us/veterans/LegalServices.pdf
National Veterans Legal Services Program
About: The National Veterans Legal Services Program (“NVLSP”) is a
nonprofit organization that works to ensure that the government
delivers benefits to veterans and active duty personnel who have
disabilities resulting from their military service. NVLSP’s current
pro bono initiative is to assist veterans with applications for
Combat-Related Special Compensation.
Services: NVLSP provides free legal help for veterans regarding disability
claims and provides a list of law firms that participate in this
program.
Contact: P.O Box 65762, Washington, DC 20035
(202) 265-8305
Website: http://www.nvlsp.org/
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Stateside Legal, Directory of Legal Assistance About: Service members, veterans, family members, and advocates can
find easy-to-use legal information, self-help legal resources, and
networking tools.
Services: This resource provides free information on divorce, custody,
veteran’s benefits, training and re-employment opportunities, and
legal rights of service women.
Contact: http://statesidelegal.org/
Website: Visit www.statesidelegal.org/links#legal for a directory of legal
services.
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Mediation Centers
Conflict Resolution Center of West Tennessee
636 Wallace Road, Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 660-5657
Linda Warren Seely, [email protected]
Exchange Club Family Center
2180 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104
(901) 276-2200 ext. 120
Laura Glaude, [email protected]
Barbara King, [email protected]
Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services (MARRS)
4488 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38117
(901) 261-2161
http://www.marrsmemphis.org/
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Social Service Resources
GENERAL SOCIAL SERVICE HELP
City of Memphis Social Service Directory
About: This resource provides a list of social services available in
Memphis. Resources listed apply to children, the elderly,
immigrants, victims of abuse, those in need of medical attention,
those on probation, veterans, the homeless, and many others.
Website: http://www.memphis.com/government/business-directory/social-
services
National Directory of Resources for the Needy
About: The Homeless Shelter Directory is not just for the homeless but for
the needy in general. The directory gives you access to many
different resources for the needy.
Services: A directory is available to help find resources for homeless
shelters, homeless service organizations, monetary assistance,
transitional housing, free dental and medical clinics, treatment
centers, outreach centers, day centers, relief organizations,
resources for the abused and for victims of domestic violence, food
pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens.
Website: www.HomelessShelterDirectory.org
United Way’s East Tennessee 211 Call Center
About: 2-1-1 is a referral help line for community services in Tennessee
and serves many counties statewide including Knoxville. It is
available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and staffed by trained
specialists.
Services: 2-1-1 supports a database of more than 7,000 social, educational
and health services offered by nonprofits, government and public
agencies, community, civic and professional organizations, sliding-
scale clinics, and churches and congregations, among others.
Callers will reach counselors who can provide information and
referrals for social services, including the basics of food, utility
assistance, child care, etc. and numerous other social services that
are available in Tennessee.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or the alternate number, (865) 588-421
25
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Court Appointed Special Advocates
About: This resource strives to appoint volunteer advocates who represent
the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Contact: (800)-TNCASA-1, or (800) 862-2721
Website: http://www.tncasa.org/index.html
Memphis Child Advocacy Center
About: This resource serves children who are victims of sexual and severe
physical abuse through prevention, education and intervention.
Contact: 1085 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38105
(901) 525-2377
Website: https://www.memphiscac.org/home.aspx
CONSUMER AND DEBT
NeedHelpPayingBills.com
About: This resource provides links to assistance for payment, settlement,
or elimination of bills including medical, housing, energy, and
prescription drug bills. The website also provides links to
charitable organizations and benefit programs that may help pay
for these bills or reduce the burden.
Website: http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/tennessee_assistance
_programs.html
DISASTER RELIEF
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) About: FEMA provides public assistance, grants, shelter, and other
resources to those who need disaster relief.
Contact: 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472
(800) 621-3362
Website: http://www.fema.gov/
26
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
About: This is a resource that lists by county many resources available to
domestic violence victims. Examples include shelters, crisis
hotlines, victim advocacy programs, family crisis centers, and
more.
Contact: [email protected] or visit the website below for resource
center phone numbers in your county
Website: http://aardvarc.org/dv/states/tndv.shtml
Exchange Club Family Center
About: This resource provides services to families that experience abuse
or violence. Services include family mediation, group therapy,
crisis intervention, and services for offenders.
Contact: 2180 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 276-2200
Website: http://www.exchangeclub.net/
National Domestic Violence Hotline
About: This hotline provides compassionate support, crisis intervention
information and referral services in over 170 languages. Find
information about domestic violence, safety planning, and local
resources online.
Contact: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Website: http://www.thehotline.org/
27
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
About: This Coalition provides civil legal services to sexual assault and
domestic violence victims, including services for immigrants. The
Coalition takes referrals and walk-ins. Call on Tuesdays or
Thursdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to complete an intake.
Services: Clients who are sexual assault victims may receive help with civil
legal issues relating to the sexual assault, including assistance with
divorce and breaking a lease. Clients who are immigrants and are
victims of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking may
receive help with immigration issues also. The Coalition provides
some emergency services regardless of immigration status at 800-
289-9018 or www.tncoalition.org/#/findhelp.html.
Contact: 2 International Drive, Suite 425, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 386-9406 or (800) 289-9018 (toll free)
Website: http://tncoalition.org/
Tennessee Economic Council on Women
About: This resource provides a list of county resources available to
victims of domestic violence, instructions on how to get an Order
of Protection, hotlines, healthcare resources, and more.
Website: http://www.tn.gov/sos/ecw/domestic_sexual_violence.html
ELDER
Tennessee Area Agencies on Aging and Disability
About: This resource plans and provides programs and services for older
Tennesseans, as well as those with disabilities. Visit the website
for a list of county resources.
Website: http://www.state.tn.us/comaging/localarea.html
28
Tennessee Human Resource Agency (HRA)
About: The state HRA provides local aging programs that provide
information and services on a range of assistance for older adults
and those who care for them. There are two Tennessee HRAs: the
Northwest Tennessee HRA and the Southwest HRA.
Services: Northwest Tennessee HRA provides transportation services to
those in the northwestern part of the state. The Southwest HRA
offers more services including transportation, weatherization
assistance, help to the homeless, food and energy assistance, help
for the elderly, and more
Contact: For Northwest Tennessee HRA, call (731) 587-2900
For Southwest HRA, visit http://swhra.org/?page_id=93 to find the
office that serves your area.
Website: http://www.nwthratransit.org/ (Northwest)
http://swhra.org/ (Southwest)
HEALTHCARE
Artists’ Health Insurance Resource Center
About: This site provides a database of health care resources for artists,
performers, freelancers and the self-employed. Access information
on clinics, financial assistance programs, private insurance, and
more at http://www.ahirc.org/categories/TN/view
Website: http://ahirc.org/
Case Management, Inc.
About: This non-profit provides services including comprehensive mental
health, 24 hour crisis intervention, food pantry, TennCare
eligibility assistance, walk-in clinics, pharmacy, alcohol and drug
treatment, individual or group counseling, and housing assistance.
Contact: Visit http://www.cmiofmemphis.org/contact.php to find a nearby
location or call (901) 821-5600
Website: http://www.cmiofmemphis.org/index.html
29
Christ Community Health Services, Inc.
About: This organization provides primary care, some dental, and some
vision services to the homeless in Memphis and Shelby County.
Contact: 2595 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 260-8500
Website: http://www.nhchc.org/directory/christ-community-health-services/
Health Assist Tennessee About: This resource provides Healthcare Navigation for the Uninsured,
Medical, and Social Service Interpreting Program, Children's
Advocacy Services, Medicare Part D Selection Assistance for
Adults with SPMI, and Cultural Competency Training for Medical
and Social Service Providers.
Contact: 1-800-269-4038
Website: http://www.healthassisttn.org/
Health Department Directory (Tennessee Economic Council on Women)
About: This resource provides a list of healthcare resources.
Website: http://www.tn.gov/sos/ecw/Healthcare_resources.html
Health Resources and Services Administration About: This resource allows clients to find federally funded healthcare
centers that aid the needy, including people that do not have any
health insurance.
Website: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
Memphis Health Center, Inc.
About: This resource for the homeless provides: 24-hour emergency,
asthma, mental health, blood pressure, bronchitis/emphysema,
dental, diabetes, pediatric, physicals, and primary health services.
Also provides cancer screening, case management, social services,
family planning, STD and TB testing/education, immunizations,
labs, OB/GYN, PATH services, pharmacy, and referrals.
Contact: 360 E.H. Crump Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38126
(901) 261-2011
Website: http://www.nhchc.org/directory/memphis-health-center-health-
care-homeless/
30
NeedyMeds About: This resource provides a list of free clinics, low-cost clinics, and
other resources to help with prescription costs.
Website: For the list of clinics, visit http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.
TAF?_function=list&state=tn
Ronald McDonald Houses
About: This resource provides housing with cleaning and meal service to
families with a hospitalized child so parents can be nearby.
Contact: (630) 623-7048
Website: http://www.rmhc.org/chapter-search
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
AGAPE Child and Family Services
About: This resource provides services including prenatal counseling for
unplanned pregnancies, care for homeless and pregnant women,
adoption services, foster care, and family counseling. AGAPE also
provides housing for homeless pregnant women.
Contact: 111 Racine Street, Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-3600
Website: http://www.agapemeanslove.org/
Calvary Rescue Mission
About: This resource provides assistance with housing, shelter, clothing
and food to homeless men.
Contact: 960 South Third Street, Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 775-2570
Website: http://www.calvaryrescue.com/
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee
About: Catholic Charities of West Tennessee: offers addiction, mental
health, and shelter services for the homeless.
Contact: 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38104
(901) 722-4700
Website: http://www.ccwtn.org/index.php?page=homeless
31
Dorothy Day House of Hospitality
About: This resource provides temporary housing, referrals, and support
services to the homeless.
Contact: P.O. Box 40269, Memphis, TN 38174
(901) 726-6760
Website: http://www.dorothydaymemphis.org/about/
Dyer County Union Mission
About: This resource provides service to homeless men, women, and
families including case management, mental health, emergency
shelter, and transitional housing.
Contact: 213 W Cedar Street, Dyersburg, TN 38024
(731) 285-0726
Website: http://newlifeunionmission.org/
Housing and Urban Development
About: This resource provides a directory for emergency shelters in
Tennessee for many people including those who are homeless,
have children, are domestic violence victims, or are dependent on
drugs. This resource also provides information for homeowners
who are elderly, veterans, or disabled; who face foreclosure; who
have trouble with predatory lending; or who have been
discriminated against in the context of housing.
Contact: It depends on the specific issue involved, so visit
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/contact to find the
appropriate contact information.
Website: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/tennessee/homeless/
shelters
Memphis Union Mission
About: This resource provides shelter, extended stay, medical clinics,
emergency aid, recovery programs, food, and more to homeless
men and women.
Contact: (901) 526-8403
Website: http://www.memphisunionmission.org/index.htm
32
Southwest Human Resource Agency
About: This resource provides weatherization assistance, energy
assistance, help to the homeless, and more.
Contact: Find the office nearest you at http://swhra.org/?page_id=93.
Website: http://swhra.org/
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
About: THDA promotes the production of more affordable new housing
units for low and moderate income individuals and families in the
state, promotes the preservation and rehabilitation of existing
housing units for such persons, and brings greater stability to the
residential construction industry and related industries so as to
assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.
Services: THDA offers a variety of programs including the Emergency
Repair Program for the Elderly, Emergency Solutions Grant
Program, HOME Program, Housing Trust Fund Competitive
Grants, Housing Modification and Ramp Program, Neighborhood
Stabilization Program, and Weatherization Assistance Program.
Contact: Coralee Holloway, Director of Community Programs
502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 815-2030 or 800-228-THDA (toll free)
Website: http://thda.org/
Tennessee Housing Resource Directory
About: This website contains an online directory for housing resources.
The initiative is funded by THDA.
Contact: 1-866-973-3147, 8:00 am through 7:00 pm CST, Monday through
Friday (English or Spanish)
Website: http://tnhousingresource.org/Resources.html?content=regional
LEARNING AND LIBRARY
Legal Information for Tennesseans (LIFT)
About: This website connects users with legal information, legal forms,
self-help resources, and attorneys. Additionally, library staff is
trained to help users find legal information and use the site.
Website: http://www.legalinfotn.org/
33
Memphis Public Library Classes
About: This library offers computer classes, tax assistance, career and job
coaching, legal clinics, and more.
Contact: Go to http://www.memphislibrary.org/libraries/map to find a
nearby location.
(901) 415-2700
Website: View the event calendar at http://www.memphislibrary.org/
calendar
VETERANS
Courage Beyond Program
About: This is a statewide program that provides free services to military
Americans and families facing post-traumatic stress disorder and
other invisible wounds of war. Services include online support
groups and in-person mental health services to soldiers and
veterans, regardless of discharge status or conflict in which they
served. There is a 24-hour help line, free therapy services, online
seminars and friendship with those who are facing similar
challenges.
Contact: (866) 781-8010
Website: http://www.centerstone.org/services/Courage-Beyond
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
About: Created by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this resource
ensures that homeless veterans or veterans at-risk for homelessness
have free, 24 hour access to trained counselors. The hotline assists
homeless veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal,
state and local partners, community agencies, service providers,
etc.
Contact: 1-877-4-AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)
Website: http://va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp
34
Shelby County Veterans’ Services
About: This resource provides help for veterans and dependents in filling
out applications for disability, pensions, benefits, burial, education,
home loans, and more.
Contact: 2670 Union Avenue Extended, 5th Floor, Suite 500
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 222-4237
Website: http://www.shelbycountytn.gov/index.aspx?NID=220
35
Self-Represented Litigants Resources
aLEGALz
About: This resource was created by a coalition of Tennessee legal groups
and Memphis-based International Paper. Together, they have
joined forces to fund and operate a toll-free phone line offering
legal information and referrals to low-income Tennesseans.
Services: Low-income residents may call aLEGALz and leave a message
about their legal issue. An attorney will call you back and give you
information and/or resources that may be of help in addressing
your legal issue.
Contact: 1-888-aLEGALz (1-888-253-4259)
Website: http://www.tals.org/1-888-alegalz
Justice for All Tennessee
About: Justice for All Tennessee is a project of the Supreme Court. This
website provides information for those who cannot afford an
attorney and need legal help in civil cases.
Services: This resource provides legal information about the state court
system and how to find an attorney, court forms, information about
representing yourself in court, community resources, and court
alternatives. The site also provides informational videos to aid in
the court process and legal topics.
Contact: You may submit questions online if the site does not provide an
answer by going to www.justiceforalltn.com/contact.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/
36
Legal Aid Pamphlets and Information Online
About: The Legal Aid Society provides informational pamphlets and links
on helping yourself in civil matters. Call or visit your local Legal
Aid Society office for an informational pamphlet on your
particular legal issue. Currently, the Legal Aid Society offers
pamphlets and/or online information on general legal information,
food stamps, unemployment, Social Security, Conservatorships,
Juvenile Emancipation, Drivers Licenses, Wills, Powers of
Attorney, bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, bill collection,
garnishments, representing yourself in General Sessions, etc.
Contact: For Fayette, Lauderdale, and Tipton Counties, call (888) 207-6386;
for Shelby County, call 901-523-8822. For all other western
Tennessee counties, call (731) 423-0616.
Website: http://www.malsi.org/index.php
http://www.las.org/booklets/ (for informational booklets only)
http://laet.org/Need-Help/Legal-Information.aspx (informational
booklets only)
http://wtls.org/publications.htm (West Tennessee Legal Services)
Legal Information for Tennesseans (LIFT)
About: This is an online resource which can be used to search for legal
information, legal forms, and attorneys in Tennessee. Additionally,
the program allows Tennesseans to search library databases for
legal documents and to speak with local librarians about accessing
legal information in local libraries.
Contact: Contact the program at http://www.legalinfotn.org/webform/
contact-us.
Website: http://www.legalinfotn.org/
Online Tennessee Justice
About: Online Tennessee Justice is a joint project of the Tennessee
Alliance for Legal Services and the Tennessee Bar Association. It
is designed to increase low-income residents’ access to justice.
Services: Low-income residents may submit legal questions online. An
attorney will email you back and give you information and/or
resources that may be of help in addressing your legal issue.
Website: http://www.onlinetnjustice.org/
37
Self Help Center, Administrative Office of the Courts
About: This website provides information and videos about the court
system, finding an attorney, locating additional resources, finding a
mediator or court clerk, forms that may be used in court, links to
Tennessee law and court rules, and representing yourself in some
legal matters.
Website: http://www.tncourts.gov/programs/self-help-center
Southeast Tennessee Legal Services About: Southeast Tennessee Legal Services’ website offers free forms and
information for those who pursue legal actions without an attorney.
The website offers forms and information on the following areas of
law: property, estate planning, conservatorships, divorce, housing,
consumer issues, General Sessions Courts, Juvenile Court, Circuit
Court, Chancery Court, Orders of Protection, family, and more.
The site also offers booklets on whether you should represent
yourself, attorneys and limited representation, and judicial
commitment.
Website: http://www.selegal.org/self-help.htm
38
Other Legal Resources
Access to Justice Commission Attorney Training Videos About: The Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) has compiled several
informational videos to aid both attorneys and non-attorneys with
legal issues that frequently arise in pro bono cases. Video topics
for non-attorneys include information on foreclosure and on
General Sessions cases. Video topics for attorneys include
information on foreclosure, domestic violence, the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act, debt collection, and legal services for
those with disabilities. The ATJC updates these videos.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/videos/
Interactive Tennessee Legal and Social Services Map
About: The Access to Justice Commission provides a map to help people
in need find local resources in their county on a map. Once the
local county has been selected, a list of resources appears.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/resources-location/map-view
Pro Bono Clinic in a Box
About: The Access to Justice Commission developed a Pro Bono Clinic in
a Box to help attorneys start a pro bono clinic. This web page
contains all the information and administrative forms an attorney
will need to begin operating a local pro bono clinic.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/i-can-help/clinic-box2
Tennessee Bar Association
About: The Tennessee Bar Association (“TBA”) is dedicated to enhancing
fellowship among the state's legal community. The TBA offers
members many programs and services designed to assist in
professional development. In addition, the TBA endeavors to build
a positive image for the profession in the community.
Services: The TBA offers access to many different divisions, branches, and
leaders within the organization that may be of assistance to
attorneys. The website also offers helpful information regarding
pro bono work and even a link to the Access to Justice
Commission (“ATJC”).
Website: http://www.tba.org/ (general website)
http://www.tba.org/access-to-justice (link to ATJC)
http://www.tba.org/divisions-sections-committees (link to TBA
branches)
39
Frequent Legal Topics and Potential Solutions
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Problem: Clients who do not have a copy of their birth certificate may
encounter problems in the context of employment, public benefits,
transportation, and more. Clients whose children’s birth certificates
contain errors encounter additional problems in the context of
education, travel, and medical care.
Solutions: While it is possible to fix an error or request a copy of a birth
certificate administratively, it may be necessary to take additional
steps including a Petition for a Change of Name. Clients may find
the following resources helpful:
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
333 1/2 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
1-800-VET-HELP (1-800-838-4357) http://nchv.org/index.php/
help/help/replacing_personal_records/.
Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records
1st Floor, Central Services Building
421 Fifth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1763 or 1-855-809-0072
http://health.state.tn.us/vr/.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
40
CHILD SUPPORT AND FAMILY ISSUES
Problem: During divorce proceedings, a judge can order one party to pay
child support to the other party and can approve of a parenting
plan. Child support may be set up almost like a garnishment, in
that tax returns and income may be taken out for the child’s benefit
before the paying party receives the funds.
Solutions: Clients who are seeking payment may find the following resources
useful:
If there have been 30 days of non-payment, clients may send a
written request to the court that issued the Child Support Order
so that the court may determine whether the paying party is in
contempt of court.
Access forms regarding child support that may be used in court
at http://tncourts.gov/node/2083351.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services manages Child
Support Enforcement Offices across the state. Visit
http://www.tn.gov/ humanserv/st_map_cs.html to find the
nearest office by county.
View monthly statements and processed payments online at
https://apps.tn.gov/tcses/.
For general information on child support, visit the Legal Aid
Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands’ website for
informational brochures (remember that this Legal Aid Society
does not serve east Tennessee) at http://www.las.org/booklets/
family_problems/child_support.
Clients who are paying may find the following resources useful:
For information on how much a client owes, call the Child
Support Services Office at 1-800-838-6911 (toll free) or the
Court Clerk’s office where the Child Support Order was
entered.
If a client wants to set up online payments, he or she should
visit https://tn.smartchildsupport.com.
View monthly statements and processed payments online at
https://apps.tn.gov/tcses/.
Clients who need information on parenting plans, mediation, child
custody, and other family issues may find the following resources
useful:
For forms that a client can use in court without an attorney,
visit http://www.selegal.org/Family%20Law.htm.
41
For information on divorce, child custody, parenting plans, and
more, visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the
Cumberlands’ website for informational brochures only at
http://www.las.org/booklets/family_problems/.
“Mediation Center” Section: many of the mediation centers
listed here also provide mediation services relating to divorce,
parenting plans, access and visitation schedules, and more.
For all other information, see the “Legal Clinics in West
Tennessee” Section. Many of these clinics give advice on family
matters.
42
CONSERVATORSHIP AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Problem: Many low-income families encounter trouble when a member of
their family becomes unable to take care of personal matters. Many
times, this is due to age or disability. Before a person becomes
unable to care for his or her personal matters, a Power of Attorney
for medical and for financial matters can convey the person’s
rights to another person, and this Power of Attorney can become
irrevocable during periods when the person is incapacitated.
However, if there was no Power of Attorney in place, a
conservatorship can prevent exploitation of the vulnerable people
who cannot take care of their personal matters.
Requirements: A Power of Attorney is simply a document that a person uses to
assign his or her rights to another person. The person signing away
rights must be able to appreciate the gravity of that action during a
lucid moment. A conservatorship proceeding is adversarial in
nature because it strips rights away from one person who does not
have the capacity to consent and vests those rights in another
person. The conservator is appointed by the court if there is
sufficient medical documentation for the court to determine that
the conservatee is not able to take care of his or her matters
including financial and medical matters. Potential conservators
must disclose why they are best suited to be appointed conservator
and must disclose additional facts such as criminal records.
Solutions: Clients might find the following resources useful:
Find forms online that clients can use in court at
http://www.selegal.org/conservatorships1.htm.
For information on a Power of Attorney, visit
http://www.laet.org/getattachment/7622f31b-d992-4f8c-9e7f-
cbecc2e03845/What_Is_A_Power_Of_Attorney.aspx.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
43
CRIMINAL ISSUES AND EXPUNGEMENT
Problem: Low-income clients often find that prior and current criminal
issues present frequent barriers to other aspects of their daily lives
such as employment and housing.
Requirements: To be eligible to submit a petition for expungement of some non-
violent crimes (committed between November 1, 1989 and the
present), the client must have not been convicted of any other
crimes; there must be 5 years between the completion of the
sentence for the crime and expungement proceedings; all
requirements imposed by the court must be completed; and there
must be no previous expungements. For non-violent and non-
sexual crimes committed before November 1, 1989, the client may
be eligible to submit a petition for expungement if the client got a
determinate or indeterminate sentence of 3 years or less; and if
there are no previous expungements.
The expungement may be granted if the client was exonerated by
the governor, if charges were dismissed or dropped; if no true bill
was entered by a jury; if was a verdict of not guilty; if there was an
arrest without charges; if the client completed a pretrial diversion
program; if sentences or bond requirements were completed or
have expired; if the court entered a nolle prosequi; if the client
successfully defended an Order of Protection; or if the person has
only one charge before age 21. Sex crimes cannot be expunged.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To access criminal records:
o Contact the Criminal Court Clerk listed in a directory at
http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/courts/circuit-criminal-
chancery-courts/clerks.
o Contact your local Appellate Court Clerk at
http://www.tncourts.gov/courts/appellate-court-clerks-
office/offices or if the case is pending, visit
http://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/public-
case-history.
To access expungement forms, visit:
o The Papillon Foundation, which gives veterans and
low-income people who have been incarcerated access
to expungement forms and resources online at
http://www.papillonfoundation.org/statespecificinfo/
tennessee.html.
To get assistance with expungement or correcting records,
contact the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office at (901)
222-2800.
44
DOMESTIC AND DATING VIOLENCE
Problem: Domestic violence impacts people across all cultures, religions,
sexual orientations, genders, and relationships. Solutions such as
“just leave” are not effective with clients who are domestic
violence victims because of the cycle of domestic violence,
financial dependence, presence of children, cultural expectations,
religious reasons, shame, inaction or failure of law enforcement,
and many more factors.
Solutions: Clients who experience domestic violence may benefit from
Orders of Protection, divorce, and social services resources that
offer victim advocacy. Always counsel a client to keep himself or
herself safe as well as any children involved. Although there are no
complete solutions to domestic violence, clients may find the
following resources useful:
For basic information on domestic violence:
o View the Access to Justice Commission’s video at
http://justiceforalltn.com/videos/basics-domestic-
violence.
o View statistics on domestic violence and the Power
Wheel of Domestic Violence online at
http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet
%28National%29.pdf.
For information regarding teen dating violence:
o Visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/ia95o4/Teen%20OP.
pdf.
For information to help your client stay safe:
o Visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/dvyw9O/WebStayingS
afe1009.pdf.
For information on Orders of Protection:
o For a generic guide on Orders of Protection, including
links to safety centers, information on child custody and
child support, visit http://www.selegal.org/guide
%20OOP.htm.
o To prepare a client for an Order of Protection Hearing,
visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/grg2He/OPhearingEng.
pdf.
45
o For information on getting an Order of Protection, visit
http://www.knoxcounty.org/fourthcircuitcourt/domestic
_violence.php.
o For assistance in applying for an Order of Protection,
contact the Knoxville Family Justice Center at (865)
215-6800, in person at 400 Harriet Tubman Street,
Knoxville, TN 37915, or online at http://fjcknoxville.
com/.
o For forms that a client can use in court, visit
http://www.selegal.org/Protection%20Orders.htm or
call (423) 756-0128.
For information on divorce:
o For forms that a client can use in court, visit
http://www.selegal.org/divorce%20self-help.htm.
o For information on divorce, visit the Legal Aid Society
of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands’
informational brochure at http://www.las.org/booklets/
family_problems/divorce.
For victim advocacy services and emergency shelters, please
see the “Social Services Resource” section on domestic
violence.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
46
DRIVER’S LICENSE ISSUES
Problem: Clients who do not have a valid driver’s license may encounter
problems in the context of employment, public benefits,
transportation, and more.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources helpful to obtain a new
driver’s license; to reapply for reinstatement after cancellation,
revocation, or suspension; or request driver records. Clients should
note that they may be required to bring in multiple forms of
identification, money for fees, etc.
To obtain a new driver’s license or renew:
o Apply online at https://www.tn.gov/safety/dlmain.shtml
or at https://apps.tn.gov/tndlr/.
o Apply in person at one of the local Department of
Motor Vehicles Office listed by location on the
following website: www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/
dllocationmain.shtml.
To reapply for a driver’s license after satisfying outstanding
requirements after cancellation, suspension, or revocation:
o Apply for reinstatement online at www.tn.gov/safety/
FinancialResponsibility/frlocations.shtml#mail or at
http://tn.gov/safety/FinancialResponsibility/frlocations.
shtml.
o Apply in person at your nearest office between 8:30 am
and 5:00 pm CST:
Shelby County
6075 Winchester Road, Suite 502, Memphis,
TN 38115
(901) 543-7920
Obion County
1604B West Reelfoot Avenue, Union City, TN
38261
(731) 884-2133
o Check and pay outstanding requirements and fees at
https://apps.tn.gov/tndlr/.
o Call the Driver License Reinstatement Office or toll
free at 1-866-903-7357 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm
CST.
o Mail a letter (with name, license number, birth date,
mailing address, and signature) to the Tennessee
Department of Safety and Homeland Security,
Financial Responsibility Division, P.O. BOX 945,
Nashville, TN 37202.
47
To request records of driving history, send name, birth date and
license number to:
o Request online for $7.00 at https://apps.tn.gov/pmvr/.
o Request in person for $5.00 at your local office listed at
www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/dllocationmain.shtml.
o Request by mail for $5.00 at Tennessee Department of
Safety, MVR Request, P.O. BOX 945, Nashville, TN
37202.
To rectify suspension of a driver’s license due to:
o DUI or DWI charges, the client will need to comply
with probation requirements and submit completion
records.
o Exceeding the maximum allowed points for moving
violations, the client may be able to take a class to
reduce the number of points.
o Failure to appear in court or pay a ticket, the client’s
bench warrant and/or contempt charge must be resolved
before the suspension may be lifted.
o Failure to pay child support, the client’s overdue
support needs to be addressed by payment and/or
agreement with the custodial parent.
o Homeland security issues, the client can correct
inconsistencies in name or Social Security number
records to lift a simple records-related suspension.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
48
FOOD STAMPS
Problem: Clients who have limited income may not be able to purchase
sufficient food and beverages. Food stamps are available for those
who qualify and may be used to offset the cost of food and to
increase the purchasing power of low-income clients.
Eligibility: The Department of Human Services (“DHS”) uses a gross and net
income test to determine if the client is eligible, and if so, how
much the benefit amount should be. DHS will consider your
monthly income and expenses (including rent/mortgage, utilities,
child support, medical, education, etc.) in making this decision.
Solutions: Clients should note that they must apply for food stamps. Clients
who apply for food stamps in person should also know that they
must bring (or submit within 10 days of application) Social
Security numbers and proof of identity, citizenship, income, and
expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, child support, medical,
education, etc.). Clients may find the following resources helpful:
Apply online with the Department of Human Services (“DHS”)
for food stamps or get screened for potential eligibility at
http://tn.gov/humanserv/forms/FAApp.shtml.
Apply in person at your local DHS Office. Search for the
nearest office to you by county at http://tn.gov/humanserv
/st_map.html.
Call DHS toll free at 1-866-311-4287.
Access information on eligibility, the application process, and
appeals at http://tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/fs_1.html.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
49
HOMELESS VETERANS
Problem: The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reports that about
12% of the homeless adult population consists of veterans. There
are several resources that focus on helping the veteran population
transition to housing or find assistance to sustain housing.
Eligibility: Depending on the resource listed below, clients must be veterans
and sometimes must also be homeless. Please also see the sections
in Legal Service Organizations and Social Service Resources that
pertain to veterans and/or housing and homelessness issues.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
Department of Veterans Affairs which can make referrals and
provide information on veterans’ services at 1-800-827-1000.
Access the Homeless Veteran resource directory at
https://www.nrd.gov/homeless_assistance/states_and_territorie
s/tennessee.
Homeownership for the Brave: a program offered through the
Tennessee Housing and Urban Development Agency designed
to give relief to veterans in the form of lower mortgage interest
rates at http://www.thda.org/index.aspx?nid=479.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of
resources for those who are homeless or at risk to become
homeless at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/
tennessee/homeless/veterans.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
50
IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM
Problem: Immigration and asylum laws are very complicated and can carry
serious consequences to clients who do not comply with statutes.
There may be long wait times before decisions on visas, petitions,
other applications are finalized or issued. Additionally, people
called “notarios” who claim to help people “file papers” or “get
status” often practice law without a license and charge hefty fees
for services. Notarios often file documents for which the “client”
may not be eligible, and frivolous filing in these cases can have
penalties including sanctions, fraud charges, and bars to relief.
Information: This information was provided by Chay Sengkhounmany, an
attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the
Cumberlands for Middle Tennessee.
All cases involving immigration issues are complex, and
application for citizenship can be risky. Always consult with an
immigration expert in these types of cases.
People can become lawful permanent residents in many ways:
through a relationship with a family member or spouse
(“conditional residence”), employment, the “lottery” system, or
another special program. Applying for lawful permanent
residence through an employer is complicated; applying for
status through the lottery is easy but most applicants don’t win.
Getting status through a relative can be a very lengthy process,
depending on which relative applies for the noncitizen.
Noncitizens have these rights: to speak to an attorney before
answering questions or signing documents; have a hearing with
an Immigration Judge; have an attorney represent them at
interviews and hearings; and request release from detention.
If a client wishes to travel outside the U.S., counsel that client
to speak with an immigration expert first because even lawful
permanent residents and noncitizens may be barred from
reentry or swiftly removed due to travel outside the U.S.
Lawful permanent residents (those who hold “green cards” and
are authorized to work) may file petitions for lawful permanent
residence for themselves, spouses, and unmarried children.
Applicants under the Violence Against Women Act (victims of
abuse or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent
resident spouse or parent), T visa applicants (victims or sex or
labor trafficking), or U visa applicants (crime victims) can get
permission to work, can receive certain federal public benefits
that many noncitizens do not get, and eventually may become
lawful permanent residents.
51
Applicants who are asylees (those whose petition is based on a
“well founded fear” of persecution in their homelands based on
race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a
social group) or refugees may apply for lawful permanent
residence after one year, but there is an annual limit to how
many asylees and refugees receive lawful permanent residence.
The laws involving people from Cuban, Haiti, Guatemala,
Nicaragua, El Salvador, Soviet Republic, and other Eastern
European Countries are even more complicated and involve
additional options for those immigrants.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
For advocacy services and assistance with immigration
proceedings:
o Catholic Charities of West Tennessee: (901) 722-4700.
Their address is 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis,
Tennessee 38104.
o Clinics: See “Legal Clinics in West Tennessee”
o Justice for Our Neighbors: offers legal services and
guidance on immigration matters. They may be reached
at (615) 823-1945 or http://tnjfon.org/. An appointment
is required to meet with an attorney.
o Young Women’s Christian Association: offers a Victim
Advocacy Program and immigrant women’s services.
Call (901) 323-2211 for the Memphis office. Go online
at http://www.memphisywca.org/.
For victims of “notarios,” identity theft, and similar issues:
Contact the Attorney General’s Office at (615) 741-3491.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
52
LANDLORD AND TENANT ISSUES
Problem: Many low-income Tennesseans face landlord-tenant issues due to
tensions between both parties’ struggle to meet financial
obligations and keep up with demanding responsibilities.
Requirements: If the county has 68,000 or more people, then URLTA applies
(Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.); if the county has less than
68,000 people, URLTA does not apply. In the context of public
housing, Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 13-20-101 applies.
A landlord may evict a tenant for non-payment of rent, abnormal
damage to the property, or commission of dangerous acts on the
property. In this case, the landlord must give 14 days’ notice. A
landlord could also evict a tenant for failure to surrender the
premises after the lease terminates, or breach under the lease which
triggers the landlord’s right to evict. In these cases, 30 days’ notice
is required. Landlords cannot shut off utilities, lock out tenants,
etc. even if the lease says so. To evict, a landlord must go to
General Sessions and get a Detainer Warrant.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To file a complaint against a landlord in a county of 68,000
people or more, visit the state Department of Commerce and
Insurance at http://tn.gov/consumer/.
To file a complaint when the property is a member of the
Better Business Bureau, visit http://knoxville.bbb.org/.
Call the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer
Hotline for concerns at (615) 741-4737.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
53
MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION
Problem: Many low-income families and individuals do not have insurance
or do not otherwise have access to mental healthcare or addiction
services.
Services: Clients may find the following resources useful in obtaining access
to mental health or addiction services:
AGAPE Link: a directory of mental health and addiction
recovery services in Tennessee. Visit
http://www.theagapecenter.com/Treatment-Centers/Tennessee.
htm.
AGAPE Child and Family: (901) 323-3600
Alcoholics Anonymous of West Tennessee: offers meetings
and support services to those struggling with alcohol
dependence. Visit http://www.memphis-aa.org/ for the
Memphis Office or http://www.aawesttn.org/ for the Jackson
Office.
Case Management, Inc.: offers comprehensive mental health,
case management, and referral services. Call (901) 821-5600.
Memphis Health Center, Inc.: offers mental and behavioral
health services along with many other specialty services. Call
(901) 261-2011.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health: offers services and
referrals for those with mental illnesses or with substance
abuse issues. Call (615) 741-3111, (615) 532-6500, or email at
City of Memphis Social Service Directory:
http://www.memphis.com/government/business-directory/
social-services.
National Directory of Resources for the Needy:
National Directory of Resources for the Needy:
www.HomelessShelterDirectory.org.
54
MORTGAGE FRAUD AND PREDATORY LENDING
Problem: Especially after the recent housing crash, legal issues involving
foreclosures, predatory lending, and mortgage scams have become
more prominent.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to find the
nearest office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in West
Tennessee).
If you need to file a complaint against a mortgage lender, mortgage
broker, or home improvement contractor who has engaged in
fraudulent or illegal activity with respect to their services, contact:
Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (which has the
legal responsibility for ensuring that Tennessee financial
institutions remain fiscally strong and comply with governing
authority). Call (615) 741-2236.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance at
http://tn.gov/consumer/ or (615) 741-4737.
Federal Trade Commission (which also accepts complaints
regarding identity theft) at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.
gov/#&panel1-1 or call 1-877-382-4357.
If the wrongdoer is a member of the Better Business Bureau,
visit http://knoxville.bbb.org/.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society; go online to find the nearest
office to you at http://www.malsi.org/index.php
(counties of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
55
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
Problem: Clients who have disabilities are often unable to work and earn an
income. By applying for Social Security disability, eligible clients
with disabilities can receive financial assistance to offset their
inability to work and earn an income.
Eligibility: Clients must meet certain criteria in order to qualify as disabled
(the client must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful
employment, and the medical condition must either be expected to
last a year or end in death). Clients must submit medical
information, proof of identification and citizenship, employment
information (if any), workers compensation information, Social
Security number, and resource information (i.e. savings accounts).
Depending on certain factors such as work history, the client may
be required to fill out multiple forms or applications.
Solutions: Clients who have a disability must apply for benefits. Clients may
find the following resources useful:
Apply for Social Security disability benefits online at
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/.
Apply for benefits over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Apply for benefits by calling to make an appointment at your
local office (find your local office at
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).
Frequently asked questions and “starter kit” to help applicants
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng.
htm.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
56
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP
Problem: Many who fall on hard times encounter difficulties in keeping their
housing. By turning to subsidized housing or to financial assistance
programs for homeowners, clients can avoid losing their homes or
suffering without utilities or food.
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on the program selected. For Public Housing or
for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), clients must be
employed for a full year and make at least $14,500, have no debt to
a housing agency, and must not have defaulted on a mortgage.
There are some exceptions for the elderly or disabled. For Public
Housing or for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), clients will
need to know basic information about their tenants, rental history,
income estimates, and contact information to verify income. There
are often waiting lists, and once housing becomes available, the
client must pay the greater of 30% of net income or $50 per month.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To apply for Public Housing or for Housing Choice Vouchers
(Section 8), contact your local Public Housing Agency at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/tn.cfm.
NeedHelpPayingBills.com: provides clients with assistance for
payment, settlement, or elimination of bills including medical,
housing, energy, and prescription drug bills. The website also
provides links to charitable organizations and benefit programs
that may help pay for these bills or reduce the burden. Visit
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/tennessee_assistanc
e _programs.html for more information.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Low-Income
Home Energy Assistance Program: one-time financial
assistance for those who have immediate heating and cooling
needs. Visit http://thda.org/index.aspx?NID=591 for more
information. Generally, clients must meet or be below 150% of the
Poverty Guidelines.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
57
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Problem: If a client threatens or contemplates suicide, the client needs access
to professional counseling or medical services.
Solutions: Clients who are contemplating suicide should call a crisis hotline:
Mobile Crisis Lines by county:
o Benton, Carroll, Gibson, and Henry Counties: (800)
353-9918 (Carey Counseling Center)
o Crockett, Dyer, Haywood, Henderson, Lake, Madison,
Obion, and Weakley Counties: (800) 372-0693
(Pathways of Tennessee)
o Fayette, Lauderdale, and Tipton Counties: (800) 353-
9918 (Professional Care Services)
o Chester, Decatur, Hardin, Hardeman, and McNairy
Counties: 800-467-2515 (Quinco Community Mental
Health Center)
o Shelby County: (901) 577-9400 (Southeast Mental
Health Center)
National Suicide Hotline at (800) 784-2433, (800) 273-8255, or
for the hearing impaired at (800) 799-4889.
Tennessee Crisis Line (state Department of Mental Health) at
(800) 809-9957 or (855) 274-7471.
58
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES OR “FAMILIES FIRST”
Problem: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is also called
Families First. This state program provides monthly financial
assistance to low-income families for a maximum of 5 years (with
some exceptions to time counted against the 5 year maximum).
Eligibility: To be eligible, generally clients must complete a Personal
Responsibility Plan (“PRP”) which details that the client will keep
children in school, keep their healthcare up to date, cooperate with
child support requirements, and participate in work training. The
client’s child usually must either be less than 18 (or 19 if still in
school), a U.S. citizen and Tennessee resident, and the family must
meet an income test. Legal guardians or relatives (such as a
grandparent, aunt/uncle, sister/brother, or cousin) could also get
Families First if the child meets the other usual conditions and the
parent is absent, dead, incapacitated, unemployed, or
underemployed. Additionally, women who are at least 6 months
pregnant may be eligible for TANF/Families First. There also may
be a work requirement of 30 hours per week for adult recipients.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To apply in person, find your local DHS Office at
http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/st_map.html.
Call your local DHS Office at 1-866-311-4287
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
59
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Problem: Clients who have suffered a reduction of hours at work or who
have lost their jobs through no fault of their own often struggle to
meet their financial obligations. Unemployment benefits can
provide clients with financial support while they actively look for
new employment.
Eligibility: If the client did not voluntarily quit and was not fired for good
cause, it is possible that the client qualifies for unemployment
benefits. The client must be available to work (the client is
physically able to work, has a way to get to work, and is ready to
accept a job) and must be actively seeking employment. Clients
will need to have information regarding their last employer,
information on the circumstances of the termination of
employment, work history details, and a Social Security number.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
Apply for unemployment benefits by phone at 1 (877) 813-
0950.
Apply for unemployment benefits online at https://ui.tn.gov/.
If a person is fired because of race, age, sex, handicap, or for
participating in protected activity such as filing a grievance or
participating in a workplace investigation, that person should
contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) at 1-800-669-4000.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
60
WAGE GARNISHMENT
Problem: Low-income clients often face a garnishment or levy when they are
behind on their financial obligations. A garnishment or levy might
be placed on income, property, legal judgments, bank accounts, tax
refunds, and more. However, a garnishment or levy might also
mean inability to pay for essentials such as food or housing.
Requirements: There are limits to the amount that can be garnished, and there are
several steps a client can take to lessen the impact of a
garnishment. For debts that are not related to taxes, bankruptcy, or
support of another person, the maximum is the lesser of 25% of
disposable wages, or the amount by which weekly wages are over
30 times the federal minimum wage. The garnishment may not be
made on public benefits such as disability benefits or Families
First.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To make a Motion to Pay by Installment (sometimes called a
“slow pay”), visit the Court Clerk where the client was sued
over the debt. The clerk will need information from the client
including the debt amount, how much has already been paid,
the case number, and contact information for the person who
sued over the debt. The case will usually be brought back to
court. See the Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee’s self-help
brochure for information on garnishment issues at
http://www.laet.org/getattachment/6aeb7f64-1aa1-4596-b316-
01081cf58ea9/Stopping_A_Garnishment.aspx.
To protect up to $10,000 of property and up to $217.50 per
week of wages, file a Personal Property Exemption form with
the Court Clerk. The clerk should have these forms at the
courthouse. See the Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee
brochure above.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The Legal Aid Society may take the case; go online to
find the nearest office to you at
http://www.malsi.org/index.php (counties of Fayette,
Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton) or
http://www.wtls.org/ (all other western counties).
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
West Tennessee).
61
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
CURRENT LEGAL CLINICS OFFERED IN WEST TENNESSEE
Contact Christina Magráns at [email protected] if you know of a clinic that
is not included in this list or if you have updated information for the list. Thank you for your help.
STATEWIDE LEGAL CLINICS CLINIC
NAME
REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Wills for
Heroes
All 1. Jackson: Sat. Feb. 22, 2014
all day at Jackson Chamber of
Commerce (197 Auditorium
St.)
2. Sevierville: Sat. March 8,
2014 all day; location is not set
3. Franklin: Sat. March 29,
2014 all day at Williamson
County Library (1314
Columbia Ave.)
4. Knoxville: Sat. March 29,
2014 all day at Knoxville Police
Dept., Safety Building (800
Howard Baker Jr. Avenue)
5. Chattanooga: Sat. April 5,
2014 all day; location is not set
6. Cookeville: Sat. April 5,
2014 all day; location is not set
7. Maryville: Fri. May 16, 2014
all day; location is not set
First responders in
Tennessee can get
wills, powers of
attorney and other
similar documents
Tennessee
Bar
Association,
Young
Lawyers
Division
Contact Bradley
Carter, Attorney
at
1. Jackson Clinic: Brittani Kendrick,
(731) 668-5995, [email protected]
2. Sevierville Clinic: Bryce McKenzie,
(865) 428-8780,
3. Franklin Clinic: Shauna Billingsley,
(615) 550-6652,
4. Knoxville Clinic: Ian Hennessey,
(865) 637-0203, [email protected]
5. Chattanooga Clinic: Jason Demastus,
(423) 209-7400,
6. Cookeville Clinic: Jason Hicks,
(931) 526-3311, [email protected]
7. Maryville Clinic: Ashley Bentley,
(865) 927-8389,
HELP
(Homeless
Experience
Legal
Protection)
All Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are TBA. Legal services to
those who are
homeless
(employment, estate,
tax, some criminal)
Baker
Donelson
62
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Advance
Directives
Initiative
West Clinic locations, times
and days for 2014 are
TBA. Generally held in
hospitals and nursing
homes
Estate planning matters such
as advance directives, wills,
etc.
Legal Aid
Society and
Memphis Bar
Association
1. Call Memphis Bar
Association at (901) 527-3573
or sign up at https://m.360.
memphisbar.org/admin/
forms/viewform.aspx?id
=3988
2. Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at (901) 523-
8822 or e-mail her at
Contact the Legal
Aid Society Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
Attorney of the
Day Program
(Memphis Area)
West Clinic times and days
for 2014 are TBA.
Historically held each
Thursday beginning at
1:30 pm at the Shelby
County Courthouse (140
Adams Ave., Memphis,
TN).
Volunteer attorneys meet with
walk-in clients and provide
advice, counsel, referrals and
sometimes extended services
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or (901) 523-8822
Contact the Legal
Aid Office nearest
to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
Bankruptcy
Alternative
Clinic
West By appointment only;
call (901) 523-8822
Community education
programs; time at each
program for clients to talk
about their individual
problems; and for those in
need of additional assistance,
to provide an appropriate
referral to either a pro bono
consumer or bankruptcy
attorney
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or (901) 523-8822
Contact the Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
63
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Bar Clinic
(Tipton County)
West Clinic times and days
for 2014 are TBA.
Historically held at 1st
Presbyterian Church
(403 South Main St.,
Covington, TN 38019)
General advice on civil matters
(housing, benefits, taxes,
estate, family, property,
landlord/tenant, contract, etc.)
Tipton County
Bar
Association
Contact Amber Shaw,
Attorney at
call (901) 476-2434
Call (901) 476-
2434
Child and
Family
Litigation Clinic
West Cases are accepted
through the University’s
clinic program
Child abuse and neglect, foster
care, delinquency, child
custody, paternity, adoption,
education, mental health,
public benefits, etc.
University of
Memphis Cecil
C. Humphreys
School of Law
(1 N. Front St.,
Memphis, TN
38103)
Call (901) 678-2421 or email
Prof. Christina Zawisza at
Call (901) 678-
2421
Civil Clinic
(Shelby County)
West Call (901) 543-3395 for
an appointment at CLC
(910 Vance Ave.,
Memphis, TN 38126)
General civil matters Community
Legal Center
Contact Meg Jones, Executive
Director at (901) 543-3395 or
email at [email protected]
Volunteer online at
http://www.clcmemphis.com/volunteerapp.html
Call CLC at (901)
543-3395
Civil Litigation
Clinic
West Cases pending before
General Sessions,
Circuit or Chancery
Courts of Shelby
County; cases are
accepted through the
University’s clinic
program
Landlord/tenant, consumer
protection, and debtor/creditor
disputes
University of
Memphis Cecil
C. Humphreys
School of Law
(1 N. Front St.,
Memphis, TN
38103)
Call (901) 678-2421 or email
Prof. Daniel Schaffzin at
Call (901) 678-
2421
64
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Community
Legal Center
West Call (901) 543-3395 for
an appointment at CLC
(910 Vance Ave.,
Memphis, TN 38126)
Landlord/tenant, guardianship
and conservatorships,
garnishments, commercial
contracts, probate, non-
contested divorces, adoptions,
asylum, U visas, T visas,
change of status, and voluntary
departure
Community
Legal Center
Contact Meg Jones, Executive
Director at (901) 543-3395 or
email at [email protected]
Volunteer online at
http://www.clcmemphis.com/
volunteerapp.html
Call CLC at (901)
543-3395
Consumer Clinic West Clinic locations, times
and days for 2014 are
TBA.
Assistance for those with
consumer issues
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at (901) 523-8822 or
e-mail at [email protected]
Contact the Legal
Aid Society Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
Courthouse
Advice and
Counsel Day
West Shelby County
Courthouse (140 Adams
Ave., Memphis, TN) in
Room 134 each
Thursday at 1:30 pm
Free legal advice and
assistance on civil issues at the
courthouse
Memphis Bar
Association
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or (901) 523-8822
Contact the Legal
Aid Society Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
65
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Divorce Clinic
(Pro Se)
West Call for an appointment
and to get location
(either at Shelby County
Courthouse, 140 Adams
Ave., Memphis, TN or
at Center itself 910
Vance Dr., Memphis
TN)
Assistance to those who face
divorce proceedings without
an attorney
Community
Legal Center
Contact Meg Jones, Executive
Director at (901) 543-3395 or
email at [email protected]
Call (901) 543-
3395 or (901) 545-
3331
Divorce
Workshop (Pro
Se)
West Monthly at the Shelby
County Courthouse,
Room 134 (140 Adams
Ave., Memphis TN).
You must call to be
screened and for an
appointment (see below)
For Memphis office, call
(901) 523-8822
For Fayette or
Lauderdale County, call
(901) 476-1808 or (888)
207-6386
Get forms needed to file and
complete an uncontested no–
asset divorce, help in
completing the forms, answers
on questions and information
about the legal issues and
procedures involved in
divorces
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or at (901) 523-8822
Contact the Legal
Aid Society Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
66
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Earn Benefits
Program
West Call-in service can be
reached at (901) 523-
8822, ext. 442
A call-in screening program
for benefits programs
including Health and
Nutrition, Housing and
Utilities, Families and
Children, and Education and
Income
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or at (901) 523-8822
Call (901) 523-
8822, ext. 442
Elder Law
Clinic
West Cases are accepted
through the University’s
clinic program
Consumer protection, financial
exploitation, conservatorship,
real property, grandparent
adoption, health care, Social
Security, wills, and advance
directives
University of
Memphis Cecil
C. Humphreys
School of Law
(1 N. Front St.,
Memphis, TN
38103)
Call (901) 678-2421 or email
Prof. Donna Harkness at
Call (901) 678-
2421
Family Law
Advice Group
Clinic
West Third Thursday of each
month from 3:00 pm to
5:00 pm at Memphis
Area Legal Services
Covington Office (899-
A Hwy. 51 South,
Covington, TN)
Legal advice on family issues Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or (901) 523-8822
Contact the Legal
Aid Society Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office:
(901) 523-8822
2. Covington
Office: (901) 476-
1808
67
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY,
AND TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT
QUESTIONS
Family Law
Clinic
West Contact Thomas
Coupe’ at (901) 405-
8581 or Sherry
Schedler at (901)
405-8526
Assistance with case review,
child support questions, and
information on other family
law matters
Office of the
Advocate for Non-
Custodial Parents,
and University of
Memphis Cecil C.
Humphreys School
of Law
Contact Thomas Coupe’ at
(901) 405-8581 or Sherry
Schedler at (901) 405-8526
Contact Thomas
Coupe’ at (901)
405-8581 or Sherry
Schedler at (901)
405-8526
Homeless
Experience
Legal Protection
(HELP) Clinic
West Second Tuesday of
each month from
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
at Hospitality Hub,
146 Jefferson Ave,
Memphis, TN)
Legal services to those who
are homeless (employment,
estate, tax, some criminal, etc.)
Baker-Donelson Contact Lori H. Patterson,
Attorney at
m
Contact Lori H.
Patterson, Attorney
at
lpatterson@bakerd
onelson
.com
Home
Preservation
Project
West Call for a
consultation at (901)
255-3444
Help for those in Shelby,
Tipton, Lauderdale and
Fayette counties who may lose
their homes to foreclosure,
largely as a result of
irresponsible lending practices
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at [email protected]
or (901) 523-8822
Call for a
consultation at
(901) 255-3444
Housing
Adjudication
Clinic
West Cases are accepted
through the
University’s clinic
program
Housing matters University of
Memphis Cecil C.
Humphreys School
of Law (1 N. Front
St., Memphis, TN
38103)
Call (901) 678-2421 or email
Prof. Daniel M. Schaffzin at
Call (901) 678-
2421
68
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Mediation Clinic West Cases are accepted
through the University’s
clinic program
Mediation University of
Memphis Cecil
C. Humphreys
School of Law
(1 N. Front St.,
Memphis, TN
38103)
Call (901) 678-2421 to
speak with Prof. Stephen
Shields
Call (901) 678-2421
Mediator of the
Day Clinic
West Shelby County
Courthouse (140 Adams
Ave., Memphis TN) in
Judge Deborah
Henderson’s courtroom
every Wednesday, all
day
Mediation services Memphis Bar
Association
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office: (901) 523-
8822
2. Covington Office: (901)
476-1808
Memphis Fair
Housing Project
West To apply for assistance,
call (901) 432-4663.
Help to victims of
fair housing
discrimination,
predatory lending,
landlord-tenant
issues, foreclosure, or
mortgage default
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
To apply for assistance, call
(901) 432-4663.
Opportunity Plus
Project
West To apply for assistance,
call (901) 523-8890 or
(901) 523-8822 ext. 190
Case-management,
referrals, counseling,
and financial
assistance for
domestic violence
victims
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
To apply for assistance, call
(901) 523-8890 or (901) 523-
8822 ext. 190
69
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Pro Bono Legal
Assistance in
General Sessions
(Madison
County)
West Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA. Historically held at
Madison County General
Sessions Court, Division I
(100 E. Main St., Jackson
TN)
Assistance for
those with matters
before the Court
of General
Sessions and
without an
attorney
West TN Legal
Services
Contact Kathryn Tucker,
Pro Bono Coordinator
with West TN Legal
Services at
(731) 426-1308
Call (731) 426-1308
Project Homeless
Connect
West Times, days, and locations
for 2014 are TBA. Homeless can get
legal advice on
civil and criminal
matters to help
transition out of
homelessness
Community
Alliance for the
Homeless and
Cecil C.
Humphreys
School of Law
Contact Josh Spickler at
Contact Josh Spickler at
Pro Se Divorce
Clinic
West Held on a monthly basis;
call for screening. Call
(901) 523-8822 for
Memphis, (901) 476-1808
for Covington
People in need of
divorce learn how
to represent
themselves in
court
Memphis Area
Legal Services
and Divorce
Inc.
Contact Matt Macaw at
mrmacaw@divorceincorp
oratedonline.com
Held on a monthly basis; call
for screening. Call (901) 523-
8822 for Memphis, (901) 476-
1808 for Covington
Pro Se Divorce
Clinic (Shelby
County)
West Call (901) 543-3395 for an
appointment at CLC (910
Vance Ave., Memphis, TN
38126)
Information and
limited
representation for
divorce cases
Community
Legal Center
Contact Meg Jones,
Executive Director at
(901) 543-3395 or email at
Volunteer online at
http://www.clcmemphis.c
om/volunteerapp.html
Call CLC at (901) 543-3395
70
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Pro Se Family
Law Mediation
West Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Fridays in Madison County
Juvenile Court (110 Irby
Street, Jackson, TN). This
service is only available to
those without an attorney
and who have already filed
documents with the Court.
Child access and
visitation issues in
Madison County
Juvenile Court for
pro se litigants
who have already
filed documents
Madison
County
Juvenile Court
Contact Bart Swift, Court
Clerk or Jody Harper (Pro
Se Specialist) at (731)
423-6148
Contact Bart Swift, Court
Clerk or Jody Harper (Pro Se
Specialist) at (731) 423-6148
Pro Se General
Clinics (Fayette
and Hardeman
Counties)
West Call for an appointment at
(901) 466-7766. Thursdays
from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at
Criminal Justice Centers in
Fayette County (705 Justice
Center Dr., Somerville, TN)
or Hardeman County (505
S. Main St., Bolivar, TN).
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Law Office of
Leslie Miller,
General
Sessions, and
Juvenile Courts
of Fayette and
Hardeman
Counties
Call Leslie Miller,
Attorney at (901) 466-
7766 or Mike French,
Court Administrator at
(901) 466-5205
Call for an appointment at
(901) 466-7766 for Leslie
Miller or (901) 466-5205 for
Mike French
Pro Se General
Clinics (Tipton
County)
West Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
Matters before the
Court of General
Sessions
Tipton County
Bar
Association
Contact Amber Shaw,
Attorney at
[email protected] or call (901) 476-2434
Call (901) 476-2434
Rural Outreach
Clinic
West Thursdays from 9:00 am to
3:00 pm at Fayette Co.
Commission on Aging
(198 Kay Dr.,
Somerville, TN). Calling
for appointments is
encouraged at (901) 476-
1808.
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
Call (901) 476-1808
71
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Saturday Legal
Clinic
West Second Saturday of each
month from 10:00 am to
12:00 pm at the Ben Hooks
Library (3030 Poplar Ave.,
Memphis TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Memphis Bar
Association
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office: (901) 523-
8822
2. Covington Office: (901)
476-1808
St. Jude
Conservatorship
Program
West Clinic locations, times and
days for 2014 are TBA.
Memphis Area
Legal Services
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at (901)
523-8822 or e-mail at
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office: (901) 523-
8822
2. Covington Office: (901)
476-1808
Veterans Free
Legal Clinic
West Clinic times and days for
2014 are TBA. Historically
held at 1407 Union Ave.,
8th Floor, Suite 805; usually
on the fourth Tuesday of
each month at 2:00 pm.
Areas of law
impacting veterans
Memphis Bar
Association
and Memphis
Area Legal
Services
Contact Linda Warren
Seely, Attorney at
[email protected] or (901)
523-8822
Contact the Legal Aid Office
nearest to you:
1. Memphis Office: (901) 523-
8822
2. Covington Office: (901)
476-1808
72
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
WEST TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Volunteer Income
Taxpayer
Assistance
Project
West 1. Cecil C. Humphreys
School of Law: Clinic
times and days for 2014
are TBA.
2. IRS VITA: find a
location and time online at
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Get assistance
filing income tax
returns
Cecil C.
Humphreys
School of Law
1. Contact Prof. William
Kratzke at
or (901) 678-3221
2. Visit the IRS website
for a time and location
near you at
http://irs.treasury.gov/fre
etaxprep/
Contact Prof. William Kratzke
at
(901) 678-3221
WLOK Radio
Legal Call-In
Show
West Mondays from 6:00 pm to
7:00 pm. Call in at (901)
888-6805
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
WLOK and
West TN Legal
Services
Contact Buck Lewis,
Attorney at
m or Linda Warren Seely,
Attorney at
Go to http://www.wlok.com/
or call (901) 527-9565 (front
desk)
