Kern County Legal Aid Overview
Legal aid is an important resource for individuals and families who require affordable legal assistance. In Kern County, numerous community organizations, including the Kern County Bar Association, provide free or low-cost legal support to those who cannot represent themselves. The following sections will explain what legal aid entails and how to access it in Kern County.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Services
Legal aid programs are designed to assist clients with limited financial resources and are meant to provide help for people who are facing legal issues but cannot afford to hire a lawyer. In Kern County, there are various legal aid organizations that strive to make legal services accessible to all residents. These organizations typically provide free or reduced-cost legal representation as well as legal advice, free informational seminars, and self-help forms.
Legal Aid for Low-Income Kern County Residents
In California, legal aid organizations are not permitted to turn away low-income Kern County residents seeking legal assistance. Under state law, legal aid groups are required to serve no-income and low-income Kern County residents affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, housing discrimination, health care access barriers, and many other issues. If an organization does not currently have attorneys available to help, they will make every effort to connect you with other legal aid resources to address your needs .
Immigrant Legal Aid Services
Kern County is home to a diverse immigrant population and various legal aid organizations specifically address immigrants’ needs in our county. For example, the Immigrant Legal Resourses Center (ILRC) provides free legal advice to immigrants who are eligible for a green card and works closely with other local legal aid organizations to help meet the needs of immigrants.
Obtaining Legal Aid Services in Kern County
To qualify for legal aid services in Kern County, applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines and demonstrate a need for assistance. Income requirements may vary from agency to agency, but typically fall below a specified percentage of the federal poverty level.
Kern County residents who seek legal aid services must fill out an application and provide details regarding their financial situation. They must provide proof of income, a photo ID, and a list of assets.
After the application is reviewed and processed, clients will receive a response from one of the legal aid groups. The response may be a simple rejection or may include a recommendation to meet with an attorney to further discuss available options.
If clients choose to meet with an attorney, the first step is an interview during which the attorney will ask questions about the client’s case. The attorney will then make a referral or offer pro bono or low-cost services.
Who is Eligible for Legal Aid in Kern County
Eligibility Criteria for Legal Aid in Kern County
Legal aid is generally considered a safety net for those unable to afford lawyers, either at all or in an appropriate time frame. Legal aid organizations provide low-cost or no-cost prosecutions and defenses to qualifying litigants, and they do so in various arrangements. For the most part, legal aid is offered by way of grants meant to help income qualified low-income people. Because of this, legal aid organizations serve primarily those facing low-level civil and non-criminal issues.
Kern County is no different than other counties in this regard. Here are some of the eligibility criteria that must be satisfied for a prospective client to qualify for legal aid:
• United States Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident – Almost all legal aid organizations limit their services to U.S. citizens and/or legal permanent residents. Immigration status is frequently the first question asked of potential clients, as legal aid centers do not want to expend scarce resources on individuals who may not actually be eligible.
• Low Income – The amount of income that counts for purposes of determining eligibility varies somewhat among legal aid organizations and programs. Because of this, individuals seeking assistance should contact the legal aid organization where they expect to receive aid to determine what income limits apply.
• Legal Issue – Legal aid services are typically restricted to low-level civil and non-criminal issues. Those with legal problems involving severe criminal offenses, or felonies, are almost always ineligible for legal aid. Likewise, legal aid organizations do not help individuals with certain common problems, including bankruptcy, criminal law, traffic, divorce, custody, adoption, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and wills.
Many legal aid organizations will ask for information to verify eligibility including:
• Photo identification
• Proof of citizenship or legal residence status
• Proof of income
• Proof of assets
• Proof of residence
Legal Aid Kern County Case Types
The types of legal issues that legal aid in Kern County typically addresses include family law matters, housing issues, consumer rights, employment discrimination, and cases of mistreatment by government agencies. Family law issues can encompass a wide range of concerns, such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. Legal aid services can help low-income residents navigate the complexities of family court, ensuring that their rights and the rights of their children are protected throughout the process.
Housing is another critical area where legal aid can provide assistance. This may involve tenant rights and responsibilities, eviction defense, foreclosure assistance, and housing discrimination cases. Legal aid can help tenants understand their rights and options, guide them through the eviction process, or advocate on their behalf to ensure they have access to safe, affordable housing. For homeowners facing foreclosure, legal aid may offer advice on loan modifications, foreclosure alternatives, and other forms of relief that can help families keep their homes.
Consumer rights is another common area of focus for legal aid organizations. Services may include help with debt collection harassment, credit card issues, payday loans, bank fraud, and other debt-related matters. Legal aid programs can help victims of consumer fraud dispute unfair charges, make informed decisions about dealing with creditors, and navigate the often-complicated world of consumer law.
Employment discrimination is also a major concern in Kern County, with legal aid groups providing support to those who have faced unfair treatment in the workplace based on their race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. Legal aid attorneys can help victims of employment discrimination understand their rights, file complaints with the appropriate agencies, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Lastly, legal aid services can assist those who have been mistreated by government agencies, whether it be in the realm of Social Security, unemployment benefits, or other public benefits. Legal aid can help individuals appeal wrongful denials for benefits, navigate complex government systems, and protect their rights when dealing with governmental agencies.
Kern County Legal Aid Application Process
To apply for legal aid in Kern County, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a series of steps. First, individuals should determine if they qualify for legal aid services. Eligibility is typically based on income and family size, and applicants must be non-indigent. Most legal aid organizations in Kern County accept cases relating to family law, worker’s compensation, and other civil matters. However, those facing criminal charges may be better served by applying for a public defender or other criminal defense representation.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, individuals can begin the application process. The first step is to contact the legal aid organization or clinic of choice. Kern County’s Legal Aid Society of Kern County can be reached at (661) 334-4700. When contacting the office, ask for an application and any additional information regarding required documentation .
The application will typically require information about the applicant’s basic demographics, income, and assets. Documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements may also be requested. The organization may also request proof of the legal issue at hand and why legal aid is needed to assist.
After submitting an application, applicants will need to wait for a response from the legal aid office. Sometimes applicants with specific needs will be given priority over others. If the applicant is accepted, an attorney will be assigned, and they will proceed through the case with this representation.
The process of applying for legal aid can be challenging at times, especially for those who have never had to do so. Be patient, and above all, make sure your most pressing legal matters are being handled by a licensed attorney.
Kern County Legal Aid Resources
Susan Dyer, Managing Partner of Dyer, Rabbett & Associates, assists clients in Kern County, California, in a variety of "At-Need" Bankruptcy Services. Kern County residents can turn to local organizations for assistance. LawHelpCA.org is a great starting point. It provides a searchable database of legal aid offices based on zip codes. It can connect you with pro bono attorneys in your area. The California Courts Self-Help Center can help you find legal aid. The site also offers general answers about the court system. The California Dept. of Social Services has a helpful search tool to find more resources.
Legal Aid of Kern County
300 E 18th St.
Bakersfield, California 93301
(661) 334-5900
916 844 5303
Nonprofit legal services for low-income Kern residents.
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLAF)
5250 Olmo Ct.
Bakersfield, California 93308
(661) 859-2862
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CRLAF is a non-profit law firm that fights for low-income rural residents’ civil rights.
Self Help Center at the Kern County Superior Court
1415 Truxtun Ave., Room 310
Bakersfield, California 93301
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kern County Superior Court’s self-help center provides legal resources and guided assistance so self-represented litigants can complete court forms for free.
Self Help Center at the Kern County Superior Court
200 E. Weber Ave.
Bakersfield, California 93308
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Superior Court Self-Help Center provides legal resources and guided assistance so self-represented litigants can complete court forms for free.
Central California Legal Services, Inc.
5330 Office Center Ct.
Bakersfield, California 93309
(661) 325-5943
General and legal aid assistance.
Center For Social Justice
5355 W. Lakerness Ave Ste 211
Bakersfield, California 93309
(661) 861-7870
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community Legal Aid So Cal
1415 Truxtun Ave., Room 340, Kern County Superior Court
Bakersfield, California 93301
(661) 325-5943
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Services Alternatives
Each Kern County Superior Court also has a self-help center, where Jacoby and Meyers attorney volunteers help people access the online legal resources available and help them fill out court forms. They also provide referrals to other resources.
Another resource for low-cost legal services is the Self Aid Legal Access Centers in courts, which provide free assistance to eligible pro se litigants needing legal information only.
The California State Bar Association , which regulates attorneys, also offers the statewide Lawyer Referral Service and Pro Bono Center, matching attorneys with clients who are in need of representation.
Kern County residents in need of legal aid, legal advice or documents, information about their legal rights, or assistance with legal forms, their best bet is to start at the United Way of Kern County or there local court self-help centers.