Services We Provide

Family situations can be complex and challenging. The Pro Bono Project helps families find the best possible legal solutions.

Volunteer lawyers provide legal help for:

• Uncontested divorces
• Intra-family adoptions
• Provisional Custody By Mandate 
• Uncontested custody
• Tutorships for minors
• Interdictions for adults
• Name changes for both adults and children
• Child In Need of Care
• Uncontested Paternity

While The Pro Bono Project does not handle cases involving domestic violence, we are committed to helping individuals connect with organizations that specialize in these matters and can provide the appropriate legal assistance and support.

Many people do not have legal documents in place to manage their affairs if they become ill or after they pass away. Without proper planning, this can create difficulties for family members—especially when it comes to transferring property. 

To help clients plan for the future and access inherited property after the death of a family member, The Pro Bono Project may assist with:

• Resolving uncontested title issues related to inherited property
• Preparing wills to ensure property is passed on according to a client’s wishes
• Creating living wills that explain a person’s medical care preferences at the end of life
• Preparing health care powers of attorney so someone trusted can make medical decisions if needed
• Drafting general or limited powers of attorney so someone can help manage financial or personal affairs

When workers encounter wage disputes or believe their rights have been violated by not receiving their appropriate pay, The Pro Bono Project helps them understand their legal options and, when appropriate, pursue unpaid wages.

The Pro Bono Project cannot assist with employment discrimination or termination matters.  

Housing issues can create serious challenges for families and individuals. 

The Project may help clients:

• Address non-urgent habitability issues for people still living in the effected property, such as unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
• Assist with recovering security deposits when appropriate
• Complete succession paperwork to help establish clear title to property

Please note that The Pro Bono Project does not handle emergency matters such as eviction defense, lease terminations, lawsuits for damanges or other urgent housing issues. 

Assistance is provided based on the type of legal issue and the availability of volunteer attorneys.

During difficult economic times, many people seek relief from growing debt and aggressive collection practices. 

The Project’s volunteer attorneys help clients with:

• Consumer protection issues
• Chapter 7 personal bankruptcies

The Pro Bono Project cannot assist with Chapter 13 bankrupcies,  financial matters related to a personal business, or emergency matters (e.g., pending seizure of assets).

Please note that we oftentimes have a waitlist for bankruptcy cases, and case acceptance is subject to volunteer avaliability. 

This program is funded in part by a grant from the American College of Bankruptcy and its Foundation.

Non-profit formation and development are important tools for strengthening communities. The Pro Bono Project may be able to assist individuals and organizations with forming a non-profit or updating non-profit by-laws. 

Following hurricanes and other natural disasters, Louisiana residents often face disputes with dishonest or incompetent contractors—many of whom may not be properly licensed. These situations can involve claims such as breach of contract, negligence, or fraud.

While The Pro Bono Project is not currently accepting these types of cases, we have historically assisted clients during times of disaster by connecting them with volunteer attorneys who can help protect their contractual rights and advocate on their behalf during the rebuilding process.

Some civil legal issues do not fall neatly into one category. The Pro Bono Project and its volunteer attorneys assist with a wide range of civil matters, including:

• Interdictions
• Certain tax questions
• Name changes

Because our services rely on volunteer availability and expertise, we may not be able to assist with every request. However, we encourage community members to contact us to determine whether a volunteer may be available for their issue. If we are unable to help, we will do our best to refer individuals to another organization or resource that may be able to assist.

The Pro Bono Project never assists with

• Personal Injury
• Criminal Matters
• Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
• Lawsuits against government agencies 
• Medical Malpractice
• Employment Discrimination