Legal support for seniors: free advice on hurricane recovery, housing, and more
Registration is open for pro bono legal clinic at North Fort Myers Library on May 7
Good news for Lee County residents who have unresolved issues stemming from hurricanes Ian in 2022 and Milton in 2024: registration is open for Law at the Library, the Lee County Legal Aid Society’s quarterly free legal clinic for area seniors in need of no-cost, limited legal advice for civil cases.
This clinic offers guidance free to participants, especially those with issues stemming from storm-related legal actions, such as insurance disputes and contractor fraud. With the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season less than 40 days away, it could help area residents resolve outstanding issues before the start of the new season, according to the Lee County Legal Aid Society.
The pro bono clinic offers access to justice, as there is no constitutional right to counsel in civil law, which includes landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, evictions, probate, debt collection, child custody cases, domestic violence orders of protection, and more, according to the organization.
The upcoming session will take place May 7 at North Fort Myers Public Library from 9 a.m. to noon, and is open to Lee County residents ages 50 and older.
The event will begin with light refreshments, followed by a 30-minute panel presentation by local attorneys on civil law topics of interest to seniors, with an emphasis on post-hurricane legal issues, including: contractor fraud, insurance claims, landlord-tenant disputes, elder law, and how to file a case in small claims court. A group question-and-answer session after the presentation will be followed by 20-minute, individual appointments for participants to discuss civil legal issues.
Advance registration is required. To register, email [email protected] with contact information, a brief description of the legal advice being sought, and any relevant documents.
Law at the Library receives support from the AARP Foundation.
In partnership with the Lee County Clerk of the Court, Lee County Legal Aid Society also offers free, 20-minute self-help virtual legal clinics via Zoom, pairing attorneys in private practice with those in need of legal services.
For more information, visit leecountylegalaid.org or call 239-334-6118.
