FREE DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES AVAILABLE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250122/free-disaster-legal-services-available]


Release Date: 
February 14, 2024 

If you were affected during the Aug. 28-30, 2023, storms and have
questions about legal issues such as repair contracts, working with
contractors, replacing wills and other legal documents, you might be
eligible to get free legal counseling from a group of West Virginia
lawyers who have volunteered limited legal help.

Disaster Legal Services provides legal assistance to low-income
individuals in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and Kanawha counties
who, prior to or because of the disaster, have little recourse to
legal services as a consequence of a major disaster. 

A partnership between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and Legal Aid of
West Virginia provides eligible callers access to a legal hotline,
866-255-4370. 

 Survivors can call the hotline during the following times: 

	* Monday (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
	* Tuesday (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
	* Wednesday (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
	* Thursday (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
	* Friday (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Survivors can also apply online at any time at:
https://legalaidwv.org/get-help/apply-for-help/

Local legal aid providers might help you with:

	* Assistance with FEMA and other government benefits available
	* Assistance with life, medical, and property insurance claims
	* Help with home repair contracts and contractors
	* Replacement of wills and other important legal documents lost or
destroyed in the disaster
	* Consumer protection issues such as price-gouging and avoiding
contractor scams in the rebuilding process
	* Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
	* Counseling on landlord-tenant problems

There are some limitations on disaster legal services. For instance,
if a case might produce a fee, or where attorneys are paid as part of
a court settlement, you’ll be referred to a local lawyer.