Idaho Law Foundation

What is the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP)?

If you are low income and need a lawyer for a civil matter, IVLP may be able to help. Using a statewide network of volunteer attorneys, IVLP provides free civil legal assistance through advice and consultation, brief legal services and representation in certain cases to persons living in poverty.

How does the IVLP operate?

You will be asked a series of questions to determine if you are income eligible.

If your total household income fits IVLP guidelines, case investigators will interview you. IVLP will then decide if your request fits the program priorities and what services may be available to help you. Cases involving domestic violence and/or child endangerment have priority for referral to volunteer attorneys.

If your case involves threat of danger or violence to you or your children, you should contact your local crisis center right away.

If your case is appropriate IVLP will match you with available services. In some areas you may be invited to a Pro Se Family Law Clinic and paired with volunteer attorney or paralegal to complete the forms needed to file a motion in court. An attorney may be available to give you advice on these processes, but you will be representing yourself.

You may not have a volunteer attorney assigned to your case if you are not income eligible, if your case is not one of the types that IVLP accepts or if there are no volunteers available in your area.

What Case-Types does the IVLP accept?

• Custody and Visitation
• Divorce (Limited--Contact your local crisis center if you are the victim of domestic violence)
• Modification of child custody court orders
• Guardianship of Adults or Child(ren)
• Debt Defense (Limited)
• Wills and Probate (Limited Assets)
• Assistance for nonprofit corporations

IVLP cannot take:

• Cases where the Attorney can collect fees
• Criminal issues
• Child support collection
• Defense of child protection cases
• Defense of protection order cases
• Enforcement or appeals
• Landlord-Tenant
• Torts
• Paternity cases
• Social Security Issues
• Workers compensation

Am I Financially Eligible?

IVLP helps people whose income is at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level, and without significant assets, which could be sold and used for attorney fees.

What do I Pay?

In most cases you only pay out-of-pocket expenses for litigation costs. The lawyer's services, however, are free! If you don't know if you qualify, it is still good to inquire.

How do I apply?

Call the IVLP at: (208) 334-4510, or 1-800-221-3295 --Toll free, Idaho only. Hours of operation: 8 AM to 5PM, Mountain Time, Monday through Friday.

OR Print this IVLP Application Form and send it to IVLP: P.O. 895, Boise, ID 83701-0895 or fax to (208) 334-4515.
A obtener la aplicacion en Espanol, impresione aqui: Aplicacion Espanol del IVLPGet Adobe Reader .

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