Get Help
Make An Appointment
For an appointment at our Elgin office or West Dundee Saturday branch office, call 847-844-1100.
For an appointment at our Aurora or West Chicago Saturday branch office, call 877-778-6006.
Before you call, please gather the following information: (IMPORTANT!)
1. The number of people living in your household for whom YOU are financially repsonsible.
2. Your income (either weekly, monthly, or annually)
3. If there is a husband, wife, or significant other who helps pay the bills for your family, we will need to know their income (even if they don’t live in your house).
4. If there is any other person or organization that contributes to your family, we will need to know the amount they give you.
5. The name of the person (or company or organization, etc.) with whom you are having a dispute (known as the “adverse party).
6. An address and/or a phone number for the adverse party identified in #5 above.
7. If the adverse party has an attorney, we need to know the attorney’s name and phone number if it has been given to you.
Am I Eligible for low income assistance?
When you call to make your appointment, the intake specialist you speak with will be asking you some specific questions about your income situation (see above).
If we determine that your qualifying income is within 250% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines, you will qualify for an initial private consultation with an attorney.
If your income is within 125% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines, you would qualify for pro bono representation in court should that become necessary. HOWEVER, because our attorneys are volunteers, we cannot promise or guarantee you that a pro bono attorney will take your case. We will do our very best to find you one. If that isn’t possible, then we can help you prepare the court documents you need to present your case to a judge for yourself, known as “pro se” representation.
The current Federal Poverty Guidelines are as follows:
If # of people in household is 1, income is limited to $13,612 for possible pro bono, or $27,225 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 2, income is limited to $18,387 for possible pro bono, or $36,775 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 3, income is limited to $23,162 for possible pro bono, or $46,325 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 4, income is limited to $27,937 for possible pro bono, or $55,875 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 5, income is limited to $32,712 for possible pro bono, or $65,425for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 6, income is limited to $37,487 for possible pro bono, or $74,975 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 7, income is limited to $42,262 for possible pro bono, or $84,525 for initial consultation.
If # of people in household is 8, income is limited to $47,037 for possible pro bono, or $94,075 for initial consultation.
For a household of 9 or more, at $4775 per person for possible pro bono, or $9550 for initial consultation.
How Much Will This Cost?
Most of our services are free. However, we will ask you to pay a one-time administrative fee of $20 when you arrive for your first appointment. This is NOT compensation for your attorney; this covers certain office costs associated with reviewing your case. You may pay by cash or check.
After that first appointment, we do our best to continue to help you at no additional charge. However, there may be extra costs related to solving your particular issue such as court costs, documentation fees or penalties. These will be your responsibility.