Portage County Legal Aid Society, Inc.
Portage County Legal Aid Society, Inc. (PCLAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal representation and assistance to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney. The organization strives to help members of the community who have a legal need, but not the financial means to hire an attorney privately. The civil cases the organization assists individuals with can impact families, safety, property, and basic necessities.
PCLAS does not have lawyers on staff. They rely on volunteer, private, local attorneys who are willing to help PCLAS clients.
Legal Topics Covered
- Debts/Loans
- Public Utilities
- Divorce
- Child Support
- Parental Rights & Paternity
- Safety
- Renting
- Eviction
- Foreclosure
- Manufactured Homes
- Public & Subsidized Housing
- Utilities
- Benefits available to Veterans & Servicemembers
- Food and Money Benefits
- Health/Medical Benefits
- Social Security
- Utilities, Energy & Heating Benefits
- Public Benefits for Veterans & Servicemembers
- Unemployment Benefits, Compensation & Insurance
- Other Disability & Death Planning Issues
- Driver's License Recovery
Counties Served
Language(s) Spoken
Types of Service
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Click hereGeneral Contact Information
Phone:
Other Hours
Meetings by appointment only. Please note that PCLAS has very limited office hours and may not be able to respond quickly (expect 2-4 days' delay).
How to Get Service
Potential clients must complete an application and be screened before the case is accepted. Please read the eligibility requirements thoroughly before applying. You can find the application on the website or press the Apply Now button below. You may return the application to PCLAS by mail (1578 Strongs Ave Stevens Point, WI 54481) or by email (pclas2020@gmail.com), along with proof of income.
Initial contact will be made with the Lezcano Law Firm who will evaluate your legal matter. Depending upon the evaluation, PCLAS may then try find a volunteer attorney willing to possibly represent you. They rely on volunteer, private, local attorneys who are willing to help PCLAS clients. As PCLAS does not have attorneys on staff, they cannot guarantee you will get to talk to an attorney.
Please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with PCLAS on a regular basis (e.g. every 2-3 weeks) on the status of your application and to keep PCLAS updated on any changes to your application or legal matter (upcoming court dates, change in income, change in phone number or residence etc.). If PCLAS does not hear from you after attempting to contact you, they may assume that you no longer need their help.
If you have any questions about the application or the process, please call 715-544-6822 and leave a message and telephone number for PCLAS to contact you. Do not leave specific information about your case.
Other Eligibility
Income may not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Financial Eligibility is based primarily on gross (before deductions) income from all sources and from ALL people residing in a family unit. There are also limits to the amount of assets that you may own and still be eligible for help from PCLAS.
In addition to income limits, to qualify for legal aid from PCLAS you must:
- Have a case that is based in Portage County WI, and must also currently live within Portage County WI. If your legal matter or residence is in any other county, you will not be eligible.
- Have a case that is a civil (non-criminal) matter.