Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Courthouse Legal Information Center

Contact Information

Name: Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. - Courthouse Legal Information Center
Address: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL - 33602
Phone: (813) 864-2280
Fax:

Service Information

Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal help to eligible residents of our five-county service area. We generally assist only applicants who have limited income and assets, and who are permanent legal residents of the United States. However, eligibility exceptions may apply to seniors, domestic violence victims, and certain other qualified applicants.
We provide free interpreters for applicants and clients who do not speak English or have a hearing impairment.

How to Apply
BALS schedules all applicants through our Legal Aid Line, except those applying for help with filing a domestic violence injunction

To find out if you qualify for free civil legal services and to schedule an appointment, call our Legal Aid Line:
813.232.1343 (Hillsborough County residents)
1.800.625.2257 (Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties)

Our Services
The type of services we provide depends on your legal problem and our resources. Our priority areas include:
Help with Family Law Issues
Help with Domestic Violence
Help with Basic Needs
Help for Seniors
Advance Planning for Incapacity
Special Programs
South County Access to Justice Program (Espaol)
L. David Shear Childrens Law Center
Judge Don Castor Community Law Center
Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Fair Housing Initiatives Program




Mission Statement: Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm of skilled, professional attorneys whose objective is helping the most vulnerable members of our community. Our track record of legal success is enhanced by a culture of caring for the people we serve. We protect foster kids from abuse, give veterans access to mental and physical health benefits, protect seniors from scam artists and abusive family members, and ensure domestic violence victims have the legal protections they need to flee their abusers. Our clients do not have the income to hire private attorneys. In this complicated world of legalese, we make things simple: our attorneys provide hope, support, comfort and knowledge-based representation to those most in need. Big picture- our work contributes to the economic improvement of our community by achieving monetary gains for our clients, avoiding costly actions such as foreclosures, and helping the Florida court system function more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal advice and assistance given to those who cannot afford the services of an attorney.

2. Who is eligible for legal aid?

The eligibility requirements for legal aid vary depending on the country or state, but generally, those who have limited income and cannot afford the services of a lawyer are eligible for legal aid.

3. How can I apply for legal aid?

To apply for legal aid, you can either visit your local legal aid office or access their website to fill out an application form. You will be required to provide information on your income and assets, as well as the legal issue you need assistance with.

4. What types of legal issues are covered by legal aid?

Legal aid covers a wide range of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, employment law, housing, consumer law, and immigration law.

5. Can I choose my lawyer with legal aid?

In some cases, you may be able to choose your lawyer with legal aid. However, in most cases, the lawyer assigned to you by legal aid will depend on their availability and expertise in the area of law your case involves.

6. How much does legal aid cost?

Legal aid is either free or offered at a reduced cost, depending on your income and assets.

7. What documents do I need to provide for legal aid?

When applying for legal aid, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, such as bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits.

8. Is legal aid available for international cases?

Legal aid is only available for cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the country or state offering legal aid services.

9. Can I appeal a decision made by legal aid?

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by legal aid, you may have the right to appeal the decision. This may involve filling out an appeal form or attending a hearing.

10. How can I find a legal aid office in my area?

You can find a legal aid office in your area by searching online or contacting your local bar association.