Overview of Indiana Legal Services
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a nonprofit law firm that has served the state of Indiana since 1968, providing comprehensive legal services to those in need. Based in Bloomington, ILS has achieved "a strong statewide impact" through its 12 district offices. With over 90 lawyers, including various staff and pro bono attorneys, it has earned a national reputation as an organization "doing the best possible legal work for [its] clients." Representing thousands of low-income Hoosiers every year, its mission is to help with "the preservation of health, home, livelihood, and general well-being of low-income persons in Indiana in any civil manner permitted by law."
ILS provides a range of services to low-income residents in the state of Indiana , including in Bloomington. As one of the 12 offices, Bloomington serves eligible low-income neighbors in six counties: Brown, Greene, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Owen. In addition, it provides access to much-needed services to Walker House, a supportive housing program that assists homeless families to find permanent housing. Such services impact many individuals and families in need in the area.
ILS is funded through grants from federal and state governments, foundations, and charitable donations. Although cases outside of the office’s area are sometimes referred elsewhere, cases that come to Bloomington are based on their income and assets.
Forms of Legal Aid
Within Indiana Legal Services’ Bloomington office, a wide range of legal services are provided to address the various needs of residents. Among the most common issues faced by Bloomington residents are those relating to family law. These include divorce and child custody matters, and all the legal intricacies that accompany them. The family law department of the Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services provides much-needed assistance to those going through the dissolution of marriage.
Families, however, may need services beyond that of family law. From domestic violence issues to guardianship matters, the family law practice is prepared to help families on a wide variety of levels. Other family-related legal issues handled by the Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services include adoption, child support, prenuptial agreements, grandparent rights, visitation, foster care, and power of attorney, among others.
Housing law is another important area of legal assistance offered to Bloomington residents. Much like the family law practice, the housing law practice serves to protect vulnerable individuals who may otherwise have no one to look out for their best interests. Representing clients in landlord-tenant disputes, eviction actions, public housing matters, mortgage foreclosures, and housing discrimination cases, the housing law department is one of the more frequently utilized practices at the Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services.
Like many of its peers, the Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services assists residents facing consumer law issues. Representing clients in debt collection matters, credit counseling, bankruptcy cases, and in negotiating fraudulent debt settlements, the consumer law practice provides legal support to the poor and low-income residents of Bloomington.
While the family law, housing law, and consumer law practices may be the most frequently utilized, they are not the only types of legal assistance available to residents of Bloomington. Public benefits, access to government, individual rights, veterans assistance, and employment issues also fall under the purview of the Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services; the office has practitioners specializing in each of these fields.
How to Get Legal Help
The Yellow Pages and Google searches so only go so far. I prefer you just call Indiana Legal Services and get the scoop from one of their people. When I used to advertise on the radio, I would inevitably have a few listeners ask me if my ads were true before hiring me. I know myself I tend to take things at face value when I hear them on the news or radio. Years ago, I even started putting down "Not an April Fool’s Joke" next to the ad for $1 Divorce in our "Divorce Specials" because so many people called and asked if it was real.
Fortunately, we have the local office of Indiana Legal Services right here in Bloomington, Indiana. You can start the process for obtaining aid: Apply online or visit your local office Apply in person at our intake locations by appointment only Call your local Indiana Legal Services office and speak with someone about applying When you apply, either online or in-person, we will advise you about your eligibility for legal aid assistance. Be ready to give us your personal information such as:
· Name
· Address
· Phone Number
· Social Security Number
· Gross Monthly Income
· Total Cash in Bank Accounts
· Other Assets
· Address and names of other Household Members
This is literally where the rubber meets the road and the court house doors get opened for you. The short version of the process is that the online or phone process will not take you long at all, and when you show up and verify all the information they have, they’ll have you fill out some paperwork. Then you’ll have the first of what promises to be many attorneys and/or students digging into your case to see how complex it is and how likely you are to win. We’re giving away the secrets, but not the actual work which you need a legal services attorney to do.
Case Studies and Local Impact
Over the years, Indiana Legal Services has been a lifeline for many in Bloomington, demonstrating the profound impact of legal aid in individual lives and the community at large. Clients often share their experiences, shedding light on the pivotal role that ILS has played in altering their circumstances for the better. ILS attorney Debby Cassens offers a firsthand account of a case that resulted in a life-changing victory for one client.
"This past year I represented ‘Jack,’ who is 70 years old, on a Social Security Disability claim. He has worked since he was 12 years old and is well aware of his employment history, which is an important part of a disability claim. Jack came to his social security hearings, all four of them, including before the Administrative Law Judge, the Appeals Council, and on remand. Jack lives in a nursing home, and it is suffering from financial difficulties . In the last 3 or 4 objections to its not having been paid, Jack has had to sign off on the reimbursement agreement in order to file the objection. I have had to refile the reimbursement agreement every time too, because the nursing home thinks it is something new.
I think my client just thought I was going to give up after the first hearing ended in a denial, but I kept thinking we were both going to be proved right. I eventually obtained a favorable decision for my client. His hearing lasted over 90 minutes and involved multiple physical and mental health issues. The good news is that we have now received a 100% favorable decision, and only have to finalize any attorney fees with the nursing home. When I went to the nursing home to meet Jack for an interview, he immediately told me that he thought people in Bloomington came and ‘messed with him’ making him live in the nursing facility. He could not say enough good things about Legal Services of South-Central Indiana. What a great survey!
Resources for Legal Assistance
For individuals seeking legal assistance in the Bloomington area, several additional resources complement the services offered by Indiana Legal Services. Local pro bono programs, community legal clinics, and other legal aid organizations are available to provide support in various legal matters.
The Monroe County Bar Association, for example, maintains a Pro Bono Committee that connects low-income clients with volunteer attorneys for assistance in civil cases. They also support a Pro Bono Panel that helps families navigate court cases, particularly in family law matters. Individuals experiencing financial hardship may qualify for their pro bono services and can apply for free legal help directly through their website.
The Volunteer Lawyer Program in Indiana supports pro bono service across the state, offering legal aid to low-income residents and connecting them with local lawyers who provide free legal services. Their services include "brief legal advice" and legal representation for eligible clients in civil matters.
Community legal clinics are another valuable resource in Bloomington, providing free legal guidance on a walk-in basis. Through these clinics, experienced lawyers offer legal consultations to individuals who require legal support. These clinics may require an eligibility screening process or an application prior to attendance, so it is advisable to check the requirements beforehand.
In addition, national resources such as the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) maintain a directory of legal aid providers in each state, including Indiana. This resource offers a comprehensive list of legal services for low-income individuals throughout Indiana and can help identify additional sources of legal support in the state.
Furthermore, the National Center for State Courts provides detailed information about state court systems, including Indiana’s courts and their procedures. This resource can help individuals understand the structure of Indiana courts and access vital information regarding state law and court processes.
Whether seeking assistance from Indiana Legal Services, local legal aid organizations, or national legal resources, Bloomington-area residents have access to a range of options to obtain the legal support they need.
Telephone and Office Address
If you need to reach the Indiana Legal Services office in Bloomington, here’s the contact information you’ll need:
Indiana Legal Services
Office Number: 812-339-7668
Normal Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office Location: 628 W 4th St, Suite D, Bloomington, IN 47404
The Indiana Legal Services office in Bloomington aims to service a wide range of status levels among legal expertise. As such , no appointment is required for walk-in clients who desire assistance. The office itself does not open until 8:15 a.m., though doors may be opened early or late due to staff on-site. For those visiting the office, parking is located behind the building, with entrance to the office from the back. Visitors are encouraged to sign in for their visit.