Justice. Equal Justice.
If you do not know your legal rights or how to enforce your rights, and cannot afford an attorney, you may still receive equal justice.
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) provides equal justice as the only free civil legal aid located in northwest Minnesota.
What does that mean?
When someone faces abuse by a partner, eviction from their home, medical issues rendering them unable to work, or legal papers they do not understand and cannot afford to hire an attorney, they may call LSNM.
With offices in Alexandria, Bemidji, and Moorhead, each person eligible for legal aid may talk with a legal advocate/attorney. Depending on the nature of the issue, LSNM may provide general advice, assist in drafting forms, engage in negotiation or litigation, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing.
To understand the difference LSNM makes, read Trenton’s story…
Imagine experiencing the grief and pain of being parentless, and then being rejected by a new school. With both his dad and mom deceased, and no family willing to keep him, Trenton* moved to a new community and stayed with a family friend. The family friend tried to enroll Trenton in school. The school refused to do so without the signature of a legal guardian. He already missed a week of school before coming to LSNM for help. A LSNM attorney called the school that same day and explained the federal law that required them to allow Trenton to enroll in school immediately. She asked that Trenton be allowed to start school the next day. Trenton did start school the next day with a backpack filled with school supplies from the local United Way. Trenton’s grateful to be back in school where he can learn, make new friends, and create a new normal.
*Client name changed.
LSNM’s Alexandria, Bemidji, and Moorhead offices are open 8a.m.to 4:30p.m.* Monday through Friday, and the Alexandria Office is also open on Tuesdays until 6:30p.m.
LSNM accepts telephone applications 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and extra hours until 6:30 p.m. every TUESDAY. Call toll-free 1-800-450-8585 or call your local office to apply:
Alexandria: (320)762-0663
Bemidji: (218)751-9201
Moorhead: (218)233-8585
LSNM advocates meet with clients!
Besides the Alexandria, Bemidji and Moorhead offices, an advocate will be available to meet with current and potential clients on the following dates and locations:
Becker County – Every Thursday at the Mahube-OTWA Community Action, Detroit Lakes from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Beltrami County – Every Tuesday at the Northern Access Dental Center, Bemidji from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Otter Tail County (Fergus Falls) – 3rd Wednesday of each month located at the Otter Tail County Courthouse, Fergus Falls from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. held in the Fish Lake Room (1st Floor).
Otter Tail County (Pelican Rapids) – 2nd Tuesday of each month located at the Pelican Rapids Public Library from 10:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mahnomen County – Every Wednesday at the Mahube – OTWA CAP from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Pope County – 2nd Wednesday of each month located at the Pope County Courthouse, Glenwood, MN from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Stevens County – 4th Wednesday of each month located at Stevens County Human Services, Morris from 9:00 a.m. – noon in the Interview Room.
Wadena County – 1st Wednesday of each month located at WorkForce Center, Wadena from 9:00 a.m. – noon.
