What We Do
WHAT WE DO
We Provide Quality Legal Services to Eligible Persons in Central and South Mississippi
Unfortunately, my daughter struggled with a number of issues that made her unable to care for my granddaughter who came to live with me when she was 3 months old. In my heart, I wanted this to be a temporary arrangement to allow my daughter to get well. My daughter tried to get well but was never able to be the caregiver my granddaughter deserved. It is difficult to fight one’s own daughter for custody, but I had to make a decision that was best for my granddaughter. I consulted several attorneys, but could not afford the fee. I would not have been granted custody but for the hard work of my Legal Services’ attorney. This was hard for me, but my attorney made it easier. He was professional but kind and compassionate.
Today, my granddaughter is thriving and is in the International Baccalaureate program. She has a bright future. If it were not for Legal Services, I would not have the opportunity to give my granddaughter what she deserves. Legal Services is a lifesaver!
We provide free civil legal assistance with the most pressing legal needs of low income Mississippians. Several years ago, the Mississippi Legal Services Programs conducted a statewide needs assessment to identify the most pressing legal needs of low income persons in the State. The program took the results of the survey along with other information and developed case acceptance policies to identify cases that would be given priority for our help, considering the level of need and our limited staffing and resources. This means that although you may have a civil legal issue, it may not take priority over another legal issue for representation. As an example, a marriage in which a husband or wife wants a divorce because one person is abusive, is considered more pressing than a marital situation where the husband or wife wants a divorce merely because they do not get along.
The following are the priorities reviewed and adopted by MCLSC’s Board of Directors and under each priority there are examples of the types of cases accepted. The priorities are reviewed annually and may change from time to time. MCLSC’s case acceptance policy determines what specific type of cases under each priority will be accepted for representation. It is best for you to call the Call Center so that a decision can be made on whether or not your case is a priority case for assistance.
Populations with Special Vulnerabilities
- Elder Law Issues
- Disabled/Handicapped Issues
- Domestic Violence
Support for the Family
- Bankruptcy
- Replevin
- Credit Collections
- Divorces
- Custody and Visitation
- Education Matters
- Protective Orders
- Adoption
- Termination of Parental Rights Defense
- Guardianships
Maintaining Economic Stability
- Social Security Disability
- Supplemental Security income
- Unemployment Compensation
- TANF/SNAP
Preserving the Home
- Evictions
- Foreclosures Land matters involving principal residence
- Housing Counseling
- Fair Housing Issues
- Deeds & Wills
Safety, Stability and Health
Healthcare Related Matters
Medicaid
Medicare
Advance Healthcare Directives
Power of Attorney
Advice, Counsel and Referral
Casehandlers may provide advice, counsel, and referral pursuant to telephone intake procedures on all cases and matters not specifically prohibited by Legal Services Corporation (LSC) or Congressional rules, policies, regulations and/or restrictions.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services Corporation (MCLSC) is funded in part by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). Consistent with LSC’s requirements as outlined in 45 CFR Part 1610, MCLSC may not use the funds for any purpose prohibited by the LSC Act or for any activity prohibited by or inconsistent with Section 504, unless specifically authorized by Section 1610.4, 1610.6, or 1610.7.