Legal Aid of North Carolina

A Guide to Legal Aid of North Carolina

• What is Legal Aid of North Carolina?

  Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is a law firm which serves people with low incomes. The Program provides free legal assistance to North Carolinians. Each office has lawyers, paralegals, and other staff who know how to help low-income people resolve their legal problems.

• How can I get legal assistance?

  A phone number and address for LANC is located at the top of the white column to the right. This is the office which serves your county. Your income must be below a certain amount to get legal representation. LANC staff can help you find out if we can assist you.

• Can I get help if I speak a language other than English?

  LANC provides free language interpretation for applicants and clients who need it.

• What legal problems does LANC handle?

  LANC handles civil (non-criminal) cases. Attorneys and paralegals help clients with problems involving family violence, housing, healthcare, ,public benefits, family, school issues, and many more. The attorneys do not handle criminal cases. Contact your local LANC office to learn about the types of cases it handles.
• Many more people seek help than LANC can serve. Each office handles the kinds of cases that are the most important locally. The offices get advice from clients and other community members and organizations on local needs. Each office then decides what types of cases it can accept. If the office cannot help you, it may be able to refer you to someone who can. Legal Aid of North Carolina does not handle criminal cases. You may be able to get a court-appointed lawyer or a public defender to help you with a criminal case.

• Will legal help cost me money?

  The legal work done for you will be free, but there may be other costs. Filing your case in court or placing a legal notice in the newspaper could cost money. You may be asked to pay these costs. Your lawyers will discuss any costs with you.

• Is my relationship with LANC confidential?

  Yes. Anything you tell your attorney or paralegal is private. To handle you case however, your attorney or paralegal may need to tell certain facts to others. If you have questions, ask your lawyer.

• How can I help my lawyer or paralegal?

  Let your lawyer or paralegal know right away if you receive any papers from the sheriff or a court.
  
  Give your lawyer or paralegal all papers that have anything to do with your legal problem. This includes legal papers, contracts, letters, or other papers.
  
  Tell your lawyer or paralegal all the facts about your legal problem. This helps them advise you about your case.
  
  Tell your lawyer or paralegal if your address or telephone number changes.
  
  Always call for an appointment with your lawyer or paralegal.

• Is there a way I can make a complaint?

  You have the right to complain about being turned down for service. You also have the right to complain about the services you receive. LANC has complaint procedures. Talk to the manager of your local office. The manager must tell you in writing how to make a complaint. He or she must help you if you need help in making your complaint.
  
  The Legal Aid of North Carolina complain procedures cover lawyers and paralegals. You may also make a complaint to your local Clients Council or the Statewide North Carolina Clients Council. The managing attorney can tell you how to get in touch with the Clients Council.
  
  You may also make a complaint to the State Bar of North Carolina about the service and attorney gives you.