FREE REAL ESTATE CLINIC EXPANDS APPOINTMENTS

          The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee has decided to expand the guidelines for individuals who may receive advice and assistance at the free real estate clinic appointments held in the Madison County Law Library. The committee met in January 2016 and during its review of the 2015 programs determined that the clinic should be made available to individuals earning up to the same levels as those who qualify for legal services through Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation which is 200% of the poverty level.

          “We started the free real estate clinic with Recorder of Deeds Amy Meyer by accepting people who earned less than 125% of the poverty level. Upon review we all decided that more people should be eligible to make appointments for real estate advice,” noted Judge Barb Crowder, chair of the Third Circuit Pro Bono Committee. “This means, for a family of two, as long as their income is less than $32,040 annually, the family can make an appointment for advice.”

          Free real estate clinic appointments are handled by Recorder of Deeds Amy Meyer. Low income individuals who have questions are encouraged to make an appointment. The clinic began last fall and thirteen individuals were seen in 2015. Questions ranged from those who needed advice to fill out quit claim deed forms to individuals being victimized by fraudulent liens and the clinic connected those persons with law enforcement. Recorder of Deeds Amy Meyer has volunteered to provide information to individuals who qualify under the Land of Lincoln income guidelines and would otherwise be eligible for free services. 

          The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee reminds all residents of Madison County that free legal appointments to low income individuals who do not have attorneys are available by appointment on any legal subject except criminal law, including but not limited to subjects such as family law or areas such as debt collection, landlord tenant, small claims, or any other civil area of law. Those free appointments are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Free real estate clinic appointments are the second and forth Wednesday morning of each month and are handled by Recorder of Deeds Amy Meyer. All appointments are for those of limited incomes who do not have attorneys and qualifying information will need to be provided. To make an appointment or to volunteer, call 618-296-5921 or e-mail Pro Bono Coordinator Angela Wille at anwille@co.madison.il.us.