CMLS determines client eligibility based on a number of factors. However, the best way to determine your eligibility is to complete an intake.
Financial Eligibility
Clients must meet CMLS’s financial eligibility guidelines. These guidelines are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the number of people living in your household. The best way to determine financial eligibility is to do an intake either by phone or online.
Legal Issue
CMLS assists clients with a variety of civil legal issues. We do not assist in any criminal matters, child protection cases, or immigration claims. CMLS routinely assesses the needs of our clients in deciding what types of cases our attorneys can accept.
Case Location
Cases must be venued in one of the counties CMLS serves. CMLS cannot accept cases that are located outside of the 21 counties we serve. If you reside in CMLS’ service area and need assistance, please complete an application for services by calling your local office or completing an online intake. CMLS will determine if we can assist you. If you are a resident of one of the 21 counties CMLS serves but your case is located in another county or state, CMLS can refer your case to the appropriate legal aid office for possible assistance.
LSC Guidelines
CMLS is funded by the Legal Services Corporation, which has certain rules and regulations that must be followed by our organization regarding who we can help and what legal issues we can help with.