Volunteer Lawyer Network Inc - South Bend, IN

Connecting Low-Income Hoosiers with Volunteer Attorneys

Equal access to the justice system is a foundational right, yet many individuals of limited financial means find themselves unable to protect their interests because they cannot afford to hire an attorney. Operating as a critical program of Pro Bono Indiana, Inc., the Volunteer Lawyer Network Inc (VLN) in South Bend is dedicated to bridging this gap. This nonprofit organization promotes, organizes, and facilitates the provision of free civil legal assistance and pro bono representation from compassionate community lawyers. Serving six counties in Northern Indiana-St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte, Starke, Marshall, and Kosciusko-the VLN coordinates with private practitioners who donate their time and legal skills. If you are facing a non-criminal legal crisis and urgently need a lawyer to defend your housing, protect your children, or secure financial relief, the Volunteer Lawyer Network Inc is a vital resource to help you find a lawyer ready to take your case pro bono.

Civil Practice Areas Handled by Volunteer Lawyers

The Volunteer Lawyer Network coordinates free legal representation and counsel for a wide range of essential civil matters. Because our network relies on the donated hours of local private attorneys, the availability of services depends on matching a client's specific need with a volunteer lawyer's expertise. If you qualify for our program, our coordinators will work diligently to match you with an advocate. Common civil cases handled through our network include:

• Divorce & Custody: Assisting eligible parents with dissolution of marriage, parenting time agreements, and parental visitation issues.
• Adoptions & Guardianships: Helping families legally protect vulnerable children and secure adult guardianship for disabled loved ones.
• Housing & Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Representing tenants in eviction proceedings, securing rental rights, and resolving land contract issues.
• Debt Relief & Bankruptcy: Guiding under-resourced debtors through collections defense, breached contracts, and federal bankruptcy filing.
• Wills & Estate Planning: Preparing basic Last Wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to secure your family's future.

Excluded Case Types and Important Guidelines

It is important to understand that the Volunteer Lawyer Network is exclusively a civil legal aid program. Because of statutory guidelines and the limitations of pro bono resources, there are several legal areas we cannot accept. If you need a defense attorney immediately for a criminal matter, you must contact the public defender's office, as we do not handle criminal defense, traffic violations, or expungements. Additionally, we cannot take fee-generating cases-such as personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death-where a private lawyer would normally work on a contingency fee. Lastly, we cannot accept emergency cases or cases with court hearings scheduled within 30 days, as matching a client with a volunteer attorney requires adequate preparation time.

Financial Eligibility and How to Apply

The Volunteer Lawyer Network is designed specifically to help individuals who cannot afford private legal fees. To qualify for free pro bono representation, applicants must have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To streamline the application process, all intakes for the South Bend VLN are processed in partnership with Indiana Legal Services. By calling the joint toll-free intake line or completing the online application form, you will have your eligibility assessed for both organizations simultaneously, maximizing your chances of securing the legal help you need.

Request Assistance in South Bend Today

If you reside in St. Joseph County or any of our neighboring service areas and are overwhelmed by a civil legal dispute, do not wait until it is too late. Reach out to the Volunteer Lawyer Network Inc today. Contact our office by phone or email during our standard operating hours to speak with a coordinator, explore your eligibility, and take the first step toward securing experienced pro bono legal counsel to protect your family and future.