Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of cases does BCLA handle?

BCLA provides services to financially eligible clients in the following areas of law:

• Family Law: Divorce where there is domestic violence and/or custody of children is involved
  
  
• Domestic Violence: Extension of Restraining Order hearings
  
  
• Juvenile Law: Dependency & delinquency matters upon court appointment
  
  
• Elder Law: Abuse & exploitation of the elderly, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, housing and consumer matters
  
  
• Legal Matters Affecting HIV Infected Individuals: Employment, insurance, disability benefits, health care matters, housing and consumer matters
  
  
• Housing Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age or marital status.

2. Does BCLA handle criminal cases?

No, we do not. If you are charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford an attorney you should request a public defender when you first appear before a judge.

3. Do you handle child support cases?

Generally, we do not handle child support cases.

4. Do you offer consultations?

Due to our limited staff, BLCA does not offer consultation services.

5. Do you give legal advice over the phone?

No. Due to the constraints of law, and as we have a process by which you must qualify financially for our services, BLCA is unable to give phone consultations.

• 1. What kinds of cases does BCLA handle?
  
• 2. Does BCLA handle criminal cases?
  
• 3. Do you handle child support cases?
  
• 4. Do you offer consultations?
  
• 5. Do you give legal advice over the phone?
  
• 6. How do I get an appointment with BCLA?
  
• 7. Is there a fee for obtaining legal services from BCLA?
  
• 8. Are there other options for me if BCLA cannot represent me in my case?
  
• 9. How is BCLA funded?

6. How do I get an appointment with BLCA?

Our main office is located at 1038 Harvin Way, Suite 100, Rockledge, Florida 32955. Please phone us at (321) 631-2500 for more information.

7. Is there a fee for obtaining legal services from BCLA Society?

Although there is no fee for any of Legal Aid's services, you must qualify financially for many programs. This is based upon your annual income which, in most cases, cannot exceed 125% - 150% of the federal income guidelines, currently $10,737 (125%) to $12,855 (150%) for one person. If you have more than one person in your household this number is different. To find out if you qualify please call (321) 631-2500 and speak to one of our intake paralegals. PLEASE NOTE: Although there is no fee for legal service you may be asked to assist with litigation costs (e.g. deposition fees, witness fees, etc.) in highly contested legal matters.

8. Are there other options for me if BLCA cannot represent me in my case?

Yes. One of the projects developed by Legal Aid is our Pro Bono Project. This project was established to help those people whose cases fall outside our areas of expertise - such as bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosure, tax and consumer cases. We have access to attorneys in Brevard County who have generously donated their time to assisting you in these types of matters. You must still meet the same financial guidelines as Legal Aid's in-house services.

9. How is BLCA funded?

We are funded by federal, state and county grants, as well as through the generous support of charitable foundations and organizations.