Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page provides quick answers to common questions about Idaho Legal Aid Services, including eligibility for legal assistance, services we offer, how to apply, and other information about our organization.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us directly using the information found below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Idaho Legal Aid Services is a private, non-profit law firm committed to provide quality civil legal services to Idaho's low income community. For more information, please visit the Idaho Legal Aid Services About Page.
Pro bono means that an attorney is representing an individual at no cost to the individual.
Pro se means that an individual is representing themselves in a legal proceeding.
Civil legal services are provided by attorneys who represent clients only in civil cases, such as domestic relations cases, landlord and tenant issues, consumer law issues, etc. Pro se paperwork is also available through Court Assistance Offices to assist people representing themselves in civil matters.
Criminal legal services are provided by attorneys who practice in the area of criminal law and represent people who have been charged with criminal activity.
Idaho Legal Aid Services may provide services to low-income residents with legal issues in the following areas of law. Not all areas of law are available for representation in each service area.
Income and eligibility criteria must be determined before representation is undertaken by ILAS.
Domestic Violence: Domestic Violence Legal Advice Line, possible representation on divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protection orders.
Elder Law and Senior Legal Hotline: Guardianships
Housing: landlord and tenant issues, public housing, evictions, foreclosure, housing discrimination, and manufactured housing issues.
Migrant Native-American: Guardianships
Public Benefits: Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), AABD, Social Security/SSI Disability
Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free legal services in civil cases only.
The Public Defender's Office provides free defense counsel in criminal matters.
Generally, service is limited to individuals whose income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, or to groups whose members meet that income guideline.
Eligibility requirements also include a consideration of assets, case type, and priorities.
Eligibility may be extended beyond the standard limits when alternative grant funding is received that allows expansion of these guidelines.
Not all who qualify on the basis of income will receive services due to other considerations as well as availability of resources and staff to handle a case.
If you discover that you need a lawyer, reach out to one of the organizations noted below in the What if Idaho Legal Aid Services cannot help me? section of the FAQ to find out if you qualify for their services.
You can also find attorneys listed through a Google search using your location, or on the Idaho State Bar website.
If you do not qualify for assistance from Idaho Legal Aid Services, or if we cannot represent you, you may be referred to another legal services program, such as the Idaho Volunteer Lawyer Program.
You can also contact the Lawyer Referral Service or locate an attorney through the Idaho State Bar website.
A person who has not been accepted as a client due to financial ineligibility, or whose case has been rejected on the basis that ILAS is prohibited from handling, or whose case has been rejected on the basis that it is not a priority, or for whom assistance has been terminated, may lodge a verbal or written complaint with the local managing attorney and/or the Executive Director of ILAS.
If you choose to make a written complaint, a form is available for your use by visiting our Complaint Procedures page.
Whenever you are unsure about your legal standing on an issue. Especially any time you have been served with a summons, complaint or court order of any kind, you should consult an attorney immediately.
If you have questions about your legal rights or status, only an attorney can provide legal advice. Consulting an attorney may be necessary to protect or enforce your rights.
In addition to the large amount of information on this website, you may also contact us directly. This website, as well as all of our service offices, has brochures and other informational materials on a variety of legal issues.
Contact your nearest Idaho Legal Aid Services office, complete our online feedback survey, or email us at communications@idaholegalaid.org.
Idaho Legal Aid Services serves people across the entire state of Idaho. We have seven offices located in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. We are also available to help clients through our Statewide Hotline.
No. Public Defenders represent people in criminal cases. Idaho Legal Aid Services does not handle criminal cases. We provide free civil legal help for eligible Idahoans.
If you need a Public Defender, contact the Public Defender office in the county where your criminal case is filed, or ask the court clerk for the correct contact information.
At this time, Idaho Legal Aid Services does not offer same-day walk-in services. To request help, please call our Hotline to speak with an Intake Specialist or apply online. If you qualify, we can schedule an appointment (including in person at one of our offices, when available).
Unfortunately, we can't provide same-day services for walk-ins. Please call our Hotline or apply online first. If you qualify, we'll set up the next available appointment and let you know whether it will be in person or by phone.
Thank you! There are several ways to support Idaho Legal Aid Services:
Visit our Get Involved page to learn more, or contact your local office and we’ll point you in the right direction.
