Snohomish County Legal Services 12/27/2018

continue to offer this clinic, which is fully booked on a regular basis. Occasionally, because we are so fully booked, the staff attorneys and director schedule a day time clinic to deal with the backlog of persons waiting for regular clinic appointments. Two bankruptcy clinics are held on a twice monthly basis and are staffed by a staff attorney and a volunteer attorney. Prior to the clinic nights, clients can access the Chapter 7 bankruptcy forms and have an agency intake assessment completed. Either a volunteer or staff attorney teaches a bankruptcy class at the clinic during which many of the basic questions are answered. This model allows clients to have general questions answered in an efficient manner and the attorney consultation then can focus on the individual client's unique circumstances and questions. Two levels of classes are offered each month, one for those with more basic questions and another for those who are in the process and need additional assistance. Clients whose Chapter 7 involves complex issues are referred for full direct representation by a qualified volunteer attorney. In 2015, we have also begun offering a Debt Relief Clinic twice-monthly. This new program prioritizes individuals and families who are literally homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, and who face debt-related barriers to accessing or maintaining housing. Either a volunteer or staff attorney advises and assists clients to overcome these barriers, whether by negotiating payment plans or enforcing legal rights to stop wrongful collections. Brief Services As indicated above under Advice and Counsel, our experienced staff, volunteer attorneys and volunteer paralegals are available to provide brief services. Brief services that are routinely provided include drafting of family law pleadings and declarations, contact with opposing parties by letter or phone to resolve a landlord-tenant, consumer, or creditor problem. Our Pro Se Dissolution Class is offered monthly or more often depending on need and demand. During the two-hour class, instruction is given by our director(a family law attorney) as to the basics of preparing, filing, and finalizing a dissolution in Washington. A manual and all of the mandatory forms specific to Snohomish County are provided.An attorney actually walks each participant in the class through the forms, at no cost. There is no other service even similar to this in the City of Everett, or elsewhere in Snohomish County. The class is particularly helpful to survivors of domestic violence and/or those with disabilities who may have additional questions about the forms and need assistance choosing the appropriate forms to secure the relief they need from the court, in order to lead more safe and self- sufficient lives in the future. The director is available to class participants for questions regarding the documents and preparation of child support worksheets. Later review of the documents is available during the Family Law Advice Clinic. (3) Who is to be Served We will serve Everett residents whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and are disabled, elderly, or youth whose vulnerability impacts their legal needs and their ability to ensure that they have a safe home and adequate income to support themselves and their families. (4) How and When Service is Provided As described above, all of our services are provided by one-on- one consultation between clients and staff or volunteer attorney and/or through representation in court. This consultation may be in clinic or an individual appointment with an attorney. Our family law clinic meets weekly in Everett; our Pathways for Women clinic is held twice weekly; our bankruptcy clinics and our"Do it Yourself Dissolution Class" are held twice monthly in our Everett office.