We handle only certain kinds of civil cases. The kind of help we provide ranges from telephone advice or brief service, to representation in court or at administrative hearings. The type of service we provide depends on the legal problem, merits of the case, and staff availability.

We do not handle any criminal cases, including traffic cases. We also do not handle any personal injury, malpractice or workers' compensation cases.

The kinds of problems we may be able to help with include:

• Housing - evictions, foreclosures, lock-outs, utility shut-offs, contract for deed problems or trouble getting the landlord or housing authority to make repairs.
  
• Family - cases for victims of domestic violence, such as orders of protection and divorce; custody cases when the parent who has been child's caretaker is in danger of losing custody; and some divorces. In some areas, we offer self-help clinics on divorce.
  
• Consumer - debt collection, repossession, garnishments, home improvement problems, and car sales or repair problems.
  
• Public Benefits and Health - TANF, SSI, General Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid or Medicare issues.
  
• Services for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons- Also wills and powers of attorney for persons age 60 and over and persons who are HIV positive. Nursing home quality of care issues. (in some counties)
  
• Education - cases for children with disabilities and for wards of DCFS.