Telephone Advice
NWLS offers legal advice over the phone for certain kinds of legal issues. Call our Central Intake Unit at 800-665-6957 (Erie local 814-452-6957) or apply online to see if you qualify for free legal help. If you are eligible, an attorney will call later in the day to give legal advice concerning your issue or question and send you a letter and other materials confirming the legal advice given. In some cases, advice clients may be scheduled for an appointment at one of our nearby offices for additional legal help after speaking with the phone advice attorney.
Please note that Northwestern Legal Services does provide legal services beyond legal advice for certain types of legal issues. Visit our direct representation page for more information.
The following is a summary of the types of legal issues for which we give legal advice over the phone:
- Landlord and tenant (tenants only)
- Mobile home (owner residents only)
- Foreclosure
- Land contracts/rent to own/article of agreement to purchase real estate
- Child custody
- Child support (person getting support only)
- Consumer lawsuits (credit card, bank loans, medical)
- Execution of judgment sales and bank account garnishment for consumer debt
- Debt collection harassment
- Debt management advice
- Withholding of personal property and vehicle repossession
- Utility Termination
- Student loans and financial aid problems
- Sealing and expungement of criminal records
- Name change
- Emancipation of minors
- School suspension and enrollment issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for telephone legal advice?
What types of legal issues can I get advice about?
How do I apply for telephone advice?
What information should I have ready when I call?
Is there a cost for this service?
Will I speak directly to an attorney?
Can I get ongoing representation through this service?
What if I need help in a language other than English?
What counties does NWLS serve?
What are the hours for the Telephone Advice service?
Is my information confidential?
However, you will not be a client of Northwestern Legal Services unless we contact you and tell you that your case is accepted.
