All About Colorado Legal Services
Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is a nonprofit legal aid organization that serves low-income people in Grand Junction and the surrounding areas. Part of a network of 13 local offices statewide, it has been making a difference in the community since 1953. The mission of Colorado Legal Services is to provide high-quality, civil legal services to Colorado residents who are low-income, vulnerable, or elderly. We firmly believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation, and that the legal community has a responsibility to help those unable to afford the assistance of an attorney. Colorado Legal Services is funded by federal, state, and local governments , as well as private donations. In addition to its work in Grand Junction, Colorado Legal Services has other offices located in Craig, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Montrose, Steamboat Springs, and Telluride. Apart from the Grand Junction office – which serves Mesa County and its neighboring communities – there are also additional Colorado Legal Services locations throughout the state in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Longmont, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs. Together, Colorado Legal Services offices provide access to civil legal services for residents in all 63 Colorado counties. Their efforts are funded by government grants, charitable organizations, and more.
Services Provided in Grand Junction
Legal services programs in Grand Junction offer a multitude of services to assist low-income community members. These include family law, housing, employment, expungement, consumer debt and others. Family law issues such as divorce, child support and domestic violence are among the most common cases. The Colorado Legal Services program assists lower-income individuals with divorce proceedings and custody issues. They also help with protection orders in domestic violence situations. Housing is another focus of the program in Grand Junction. People facing illegal eviction or unsafe housing conditions can get assistance from local lawyers. Another common case type is unemployment compensation claims. Colorado Legal Services provides support for those struggling to get their unemployment benefits paid. Additional services include assistance with Medicaid or Medicare applications, applications for TANF (Welfare/Temporary Aid for Needy Families) and SNAP (food stamps). Legal services in Grand Junction do not accept all clients. The only relocating area residents that make under 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify. These individuals will generally have less than $1,000 in the bank and less than $2,000 worth of personal assets.
How to Access Legal Service in Grand Junction
Individuals seeking legal aid in Grand Junction can first explore options through Community Legal Services, which serves the entire 7th Judicial District.
If eligible for assistance, individuals can schedule a free consultation and receive guidance about their legal situation. While not all legal issues fall within the purview of this organization, it generally helps with the following areas of law: These services are available for free to anyone living in the jurisdiction, though fees may apply for related litigation services. In addition to Community Legal Services, those living with disabilities can contact Disability Law Colorado to receive free legal assistance through the group’s Grand Junction office. Support is available for individuals with disabilities seeking help with government benefits, special education, guardianship, estate planning and other relevant issues. Other legal aid organizations, such as Pro Bono Core, serve the Grand Junction area. This organization is specifically oriented toward lawyers and law students who want to perform volunteer work for underrepresented individuals and families. Attorneys or law firms that want to provide pro bono services may volunteer through Pro Bono Core to assume a significant role in a Grand Junction resident’s case. Other legal clinics are also available in the Grand Junction area that fall outside the scope of organizations like Community Legal Services paying greater attention to those areas. For example, the Mesa County Bar Association assists residents with their legal needs via a number of different resources, including the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) and a monthly legal clinic.
The Community Impact of Legal Service
The impact of legal services on the Grand Junction community cannot be overstated. In a region where access to justice can mean the difference between security and insecurity, legal services organizations have transformed the lives of countless individuals and families. These services not only empower those in need with legal representation but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Success stories abound, with legal services attorneys frequently assisting clients in overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles. For instance, in one case, a grandmother obtained guardianship of her two grandchildren after a lengthy legal battle, preventing them from being placed in the tumultuous foster care system. Such victories reverberate throughout the community , ensuring that children grow up in stable environments and that families stay intact.
Statistics further highlight the value of legal services organizations in Grand Junction and surrounding areas. Over the past year, these groups have provided pro bono legal assistance to thousands of individuals, helping them navigate issues ranging from custody disputes to housing instability. Many of these individuals would have been unable to afford legal representation otherwise.
Events like the Faces of Justice Gala held by Legal Aid of Colorado, which this year honored the work of local attorney Lowry Christensen, not only celebrate individual achievements but also spotlight the collective impact of legal services on the community. With community involvement, legal services organizations can continue their vital work, helping to bring justice closer to home for those in need.
Choosing the Right Legal Aid
As Grand Junction residents navigate the legal landscape, the initial challenge often lies in identifying the type of legal support they need. Are you facing a family law issue? In need of an attorney for a personal injury claim? Frustrated by a real estate legal matter? Understanding which legal services are best suited to address your unique needs forms the first step toward effective resolution. Many law firms, including those in Grand Junction, offer a range of specific services — from alternative divorce solutions to injury and property issues — while other firms focus on niche areas such as estate planning. Given this disparity, potential clients must first consider the underlying nature of their legal problems before choosing a direction. In addition to identifying the primary problem at hand, it’s important to match your specific legal issue with the right services. For example, divorce mediation services offer effective resolutions for couples avoiding lengthy court procedures. Meanwhile, real estate legal help is necessary for individuals considering important home transactions. In cases of accidents or injuries caused by others’ negligence, injury attorneys provide critical guidance.
Dealing with COVID Related Legal Issues
As the legal landscape has been reshaped in the wake of a global pandemic, legal services in Grand Junction have proven to be not only adaptable but also innovative. The COVID-19 crisis prompted a swift transition from in-person consultations and court appearances to virtual meetings and electronic filings, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and efficiency that characterizes Colorado legal services today. One noteworthy change is the adoption of telehealth-style consultations, allowing clients to meet with attorneys through secure video conferencing. This approach has been essential for many who are immunocompromised or unable to travel. Additionally, the shift to e-filing systems has streamlined the process for submitting legal documents, reducing the burden on clients and practitioners alike while maintaining a clear trail of documentation. In response to increased demand for affordable legal support during the pandemic, many non-profit legal centers in Grand Junction have expanded their pro bono offerings. Lawyers have been encouraged to take on additional pro bono cases , covering a range of essential services including housing law, family law, and medical malpractice cases. The post-COVID landscape also sees the continuation of remote mediation and arbitration, offering greater flexibility and locality to those involved in civil disputes. By utilizing online platforms, mediation services can avoid congested court schedules while providing equal access to all parties. Moreover, organizations such as Mesa County Legal Services have introduced initiatives aimed at navigating the unprecedented needs brought on by the pandemic, such as specialty services for pandemic-related issues such as eviction, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. They also provide increased resources and support programs specifically for low-income families in Mesa County during this difficult period. Ultimately, the adaptability of Colorado legal services in Grand Junction during the pandemic has effectively transformed the way citizens access legal aid. The successful navigation of these challenges speaks to the continuity and resilience of our community’s legal resources now and in the future.