Pro Bono ("for the good") organizations pair people with lawyers who volunteer their services for free.

Pro Se ("for yourself") organizations/clinics help people represent themselves.

Civil Service organizations represent people in cases which are not criminal in nature--such as landlord/tenant issues, used car issues, domestic relations, public benefits, etc. Criminal Service organizations represent people in cases which are criminal.

Legal Services of Missouri handle only civil matters. Examples include: guardianship of adults and children, medicaid and SSI, child custody, and divorce.

Legal Services handles civil matters only. Whether services are offered are based upon the need of the individuals and the type of case involved.

The Public Defender Program handles criminal matters only. Services are offered based upon the need of the individual and may be ordered by the court.

Eligibility may be based upon a number of conditions. The primary condition is typically the income of the household. Legal Services of Missouri uses the United States Government's poverty guidelines as a guide in helping to make this determination. Additionally, cases are ranked based upon their type and the facts involved in each case. Some cases are given a higher priority than others because of the risk of harm involved in the case. Although not always a determining factor, older persons may be able to be helped under special grants from other agencies notwithstanding their income level or the type of case they have.

It is impossible for us to tell you whether you need a lawyer without knowing what your problem is. Basically, if you have a problem that involves the law or a court, you may wish to talk with an attorney. It is always best to speak with an attorney well in advance of any court or hearing date. Waiting until the last minute to speak with an attorney can harm your case.

If our offices cannot help you with your case, you may consult your local phone directory for attorneys in your area. Our offices cannot refer to you an attorney. You may contact a local bar organization or the Missouri Bar for a referral to an attorney. They may also be able to refer you to an attorney that has experience handling cases like yours. A referral to an attorney does not mean that organization will pay the attorney for you.

You may contact an attorney yourself. Our offices will not be responsible for paying the attorney for you. You will have to pay the attorney and may also have to pay for court costs or other fees.

You should seek legal advice at the earliest hint of a problem that may involve the law or the court system. Waiting may harm your case.

Legal Services of Missouri does not answer questions through this web site or through e-mail. Questions must be addressed directly to one of our staff members, either in person or over the phone. Only by speaking directly to you can a staff member gather the appropriate information to be able to give you an answer to your legal question.

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Refer to the About Us section of this web site.

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