Legal Assistance Organizations

Organizations that Help with Legal Problems

Problem
 Organization
 How They Can Help
Advocacy for Resident in a Care Facility
 Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
(253) 798-3789
 Staff and volunteers investigate complaints and help people to negotiate with the facility.
Bankruptcy
 Federal Bankruptcy
(253) 882-3900
 Works to resolve issues of debt, credit reports, bankruptcy and bankruptcy alternatives.
Child Visitation
 WA Arbitration and Mediation
(253) 627-3656
 Brings parties together to negotiate an agreement.
Child Visitation
 Relatives Raising Children
(253) 565-5823
 Helps people who care for relatives to find resources and services.
Child Visitation
 CLEAR
(Coordinated Legal Education and Referral)
(888) 201-1014
 Free legal hotline directs you to legal resources.
Civil Law
 Neighborhood Legal Clinic
(253) 572-5134
 All areas of civil law for low-income clients.
Consumer Complaint
 Attorney General
(253) 593-2904
 Accepts written complaints about businesses, investigates, sometimes sues on behalf of the state if the business practices are illegal.
Consumer Complaint
 Better Business Bureau
(253) 431-2222
 Investigates complaints about Better Business Bureau members.
Creditors
 Consumer  Credit Counseling Service
(253) 588-1858
 Can negotiate with creditors and help you get reduced payments over a longer time.
Estate Issues
 Pierce County AIDS Foundation Wills Project
(253) 383-2565
 Focused on wills, powers of attorney and other estate issues
Family Law Issues
 Lawhelp Center
(253) 798-3627
 Deals with all areas of civil law (dissolution, temporary orders, parenting plans, paternity, custody, support, etc.) for low-income clients only.
Family Law Issues
 Pro Se Family Law Clinic
(253) 572-5134
 For low-income clients representing themselves in all areas of family law (dissolution, temporary orders, parenting plans, paternity, custody, support, etc.).
General Law Issues
 Lakewood Pro Bono Clinic at the Multicultural Self-Sufficiency Movement (MSM)
(253) 584-5615
 Both Korean and Russian translation available at MSM clinic.
Getting Money from People who Owe You
 Small Claims Court
$2,500 maximum
(253) 798-7487
 Courts presided over by a commissioner; individuals can represent themselves.
Landlord Tenant Problem
 City of Tacoma
Landlord Tenant Information and Assistance
(253) 591-5000 or 311
 Providing information and resources to both landlords and tenants to resolve disputes that arise under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) and the Tacoma Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95).
Landlord Tenant Problem
 CLEAR
(Coordinated Legal Education & Referral)
(888) 201-1014
 Free legal hotline directs you to legal resources - can sometimes take your case if you meet their service eligibility and priorities.
Lawyer Referral
 Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
(253) 383-3432
Helps individuals connect with experienced legal help for a variety of issues. Charges a $40 fee for initial 30-minute consultation.
Neighbor Encroaching on Your Property
 Washington Arbitration and Mediation
(253) 627-3656
 Brings parties together to negotiate an agreement.
Neighbor Encroaching on Your Property
 City of Tacoma
Building and Land Use
(253) 591-5363
 Can investigate complaints of encroachment in some cases.
Power of Attorney
 Aging & Disability Resource Center
(253) 798-4600
 Free forms available. Simple to complete.
Power of Attorney or Will
 Pierce County Bar Association
(253) 383-3432
 $75 for a will; $30 for durable power of attorney.
Power of Attorney or Will
 CLEAR
(Coordinated Legal Education & Referral)
(888) 201-1014
 Inexpensive wills and powers of attorney.
Social Security or SSI
 CLEAR
(Coordinated Legal Education & Referral)
(888) 201-1014
 Free legal hotline directs you to legal resources - can sometimes take your case if you meet their service eligibility and priorities.
Social Security or SSI
 Your local congressman.
Check local telephone directory or call ADRC at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332
Can investigate your complaint and help expedite service.
Youth Law TeamChild
(253) 274-9929
Provides free civil legal services for youth, generally between the ages of 12-24.
Good websites that provide legal information and other resources: