Q: If I am an existing client with questions or concerns about my case, how do I notify the agency or my attorney?
A: If you are already a client and have questions or concerns about your case, please contact your attorney directly or speak with their assistant about your concerns. All concerns are responded to and we will get back to you within 7 business days. Contacting us with your concerns will in no way jeopardize your case.
Q: How does the program work?
A: Dade Legal Aid helps low-income residents of Miami-Dade County with Family, Domestic VIolence, Guardianship, Guardian ad Litem, Bankruptcy, and other civil matters. To learn more about each department, go to the main page. If a staff attorney cannot assist you, and you still qualify, Put Something Back “PSB” may be able to locate a private attorney to handle your case for free. You must apply to PSB via the online applications or through our phone intake system 305-579-5733. If you are income eligible, meet the program’s guidelines, are a resident of Miami-Dade County, and have a problem in an area we handle, PSB will make every attempt to locate an available pro bono attorney to handle your case. Note that acceptance is not guaranteed, and misrepresentation, missed appointments, or exceeding income limits may lead to rejection. You will represent yourself until a volunteer attorney agrees in writing to take your case. PSB does not handle emergencies, fee generating cases, traffic cases, criminal cases, or cases where someone is suing another party for damages.
Q: Who can receive free legal assistance through Put Something Back?
A: You may be eligible for free legal assistance through Put Something Back if you are low-income and meet the federal poverty guidelines, are a resident of Miami-Dade County, and have a qualifying civil legal matter. To find out if you may qualify for this program, you must apply and be screened. If you have already applied and been advised that you do not qualify or we are unable to assist you, you will be referred to anther program that may be able to assist you. We cannot serve everyone who applies and do not take any responsibility for your case.
Q: What type of legal matters are and are not handled by this program?
A: In general, the following civil court matters are handled by Put Something Back’s volunteer attorneys: guardian ad litem, family matters, domestic violence cases for individuals seeking injunctions for protection, probate, will drafting, consumer, bankruptcy, and real property. Put Something Back coordinates the “Wills on Wheels” Program, which assists the homebound, incapacitated and elderly of our community who need help in the preparation of their Wills, but are unable to travel. Cases that are not handled by the program include: Criminal, juvenile delinquency, personal injury, evictions, and traffic cases; civil cases where you are suing for money; small claims court cases, cases that can be settled by existing court mediation programs, such as landlord/tenant mediation; child support enforcement cases processed by the State Attorney’s Office; and any emergency matter that needs legal attention within 21 days of applying for the program.
Q: If I am a person with a disability and need assistance, who do I call?
A: If you are a person with a disability and need assistance in appearing in court or participating in a court program or service, please contact the Court ADA Coordinator, at: Voicemail: (305) 349-7175 TDD: (305) 349-7174 Fax No: (305) 349-7355
If you are a person with a disability and need assistance in contacting the Put Something Back office, please call the ADA Coordinator at Florida Relay Services by dialing 1-800-955-8771 (TDD). Ask to be connected to the Put Something Back project at telephone number (305) 579-579-5733 ext.. 2222.
Q: Where do I apply for the program’s services?
Q: What do I need to apply for the program’s services?
A: Please be prepared to provide upon request the following information to verify that you qualify for the program::
1) Proof of lawful status ie driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or resident card;
2) Proof of income-eligibility: copies of pay stubs or letters from employers stating incomes, or notarized affidavits explaining nature of work and income;
3) If you or other members of your household receive any public assistance, social security or other documents to verify the amount of benefits;
4) Any other legal papers or other documents which will assist program staff in determining whether you qualify and type of assistance needed.
If you misrepresent your income or the nature of your case, you may be rejected by the referral attorney. If your economic circumstances change at any time, you must notify the program’s staff immediately.
Q: If I qualify for the program’s free legal services, will I be responsible for paying any costs?
A: Although your attorney’s services will be free, you may have to pay for depositions, expert witnesses and other costs, depending on the type and complexity of your case.
Q: If a person does not speak English, when is an interpreter needed?
A: Put Something Back staff can assist clients in Spanish, Creole, and Italian. However, when meeting with an attorney assigned to the case, persons who do not speak English may be asked to bring someone to translate for them. Although program staff try to match non-English speaking clients with attorneys who speak their language, this is not always possible.
Q: If I don’t qualify for the program’s free legal services, who may I contact for legal assistance?
A: If you do not qualify under the program guidelines, or have a case that is not handled by the program, intake staff will direct you to another program which may be able to assist you.
