FREE DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MISSOURIANS IMPACTED BY THE
MAY 19-27 SEVERE STORMS
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/free-disaster-legal-services-available-missourians-impacted-may-19-27-severe-storms]


Release Date: 
Sep 12, 2024 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Unexpected legal issues often arise after a
disaster that can leave individuals and families devastated. If you
are facing legal issues resulting from the late May severe storms,
straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding, you may be able to get
free legal advice on disaster-related issues. 

Disaster Legal Services (DLS) now are available to low-income, elderly
and other vulnerable residents who were affected by the May 19-27
severe storms in 10 Missouri counties and are unable to afford a
lawyer. 

The 10 Missouri counties designated in the federal disaster
declaration are: BARRY, BUTLER, CARTER, HOWELL, NEW MADRID, RIPLEY,
SCOTT, SHANNON, STODDARD AND TEXAS. 

Funded by FEMA, Disaster Legal Services provides a helpline that
survivors can call to be put in touch with free attorneys from the
Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association. Callers are
asked to leave a message, contact phone number, county of residence
and a brief summary of their disaster-related issue(s). An attorney
will call you back within five business days during regular business
hours. 

THE HELPLINE NUMBER IS (800) 829-4128. Messages can be left around
the clock. The service is available until further notice. 

Callers can receive help with legal issues including the following: 

	* FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration and other public
assistance financial benefits including disaster unemployment
insurance claims 
	* Price-gouging, scams, or identity theft 
	* Home repair contracts and property insurance claims 
	* Mortgage-foreclosure and home-ownership issues 
	* Landlord/tenant problems 
	* Replacement of wills and other vital documents destroyed in the
storms 
	* Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster
programs. 

For more information about available legal services and resources in
Missouri, go online to: www.Missourilawyershelp.org
[http://www.Missourilawyershelp.org]