Legal Aid
Pokagon Band citizens can receive free legal aid in both Michigan and Indiana.
“Michigan Legal Indian Services provided me last year with an estate planning. They made it layman’s terms that I could understand it. It was very efficient. We got it done in really good time, and I applaud them.”
-Martha McConnell
“She called me almost everyday to let me know where she was at. I would not hesitate to use her. She’s a great person to work with.”
-Jack Mix
Do you need advice or assistance with a legal issue? The Band has arranged for Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) and Indiana Legal Services (ILS) to provide free legal services to Pokagon citizens (and in some cases, spouses of Pokagon citizens) regarding certain types of legal issues:
- Guardianships and Conservatorships
- Power of Attorney (Medical and/or Financial)
- Simple Wills
- Real Estate Matters
- Landlord Tenant Matters
- General civil matter legal advice
- Expungements [Indiana and for those under 200% of poverty in Michigan]
- Specialized Driving Permits [Indiana] and Driver’s License Restoration [for those under 200% of poverty in Michigan]
For questions about Michigan or Pokagon Band law, contact Michigan Indian Legal Services at (231) 947-0122 or visit their website at www.mils3.org
For questions about Indiana law, contact Indiana Legal Services at (574) 234-8121.
Except for criminal matters in Pokagon Tribal Court, there are no asset or income restrictions for Pokagon Band citizens receiving this free legal service under the tribal contracts. Not all legal services provided include representation in court, in some instances the available legal services are limited to document review, document preparation, and/or providing legal advice.
Attorney Schedule
Post-COVID, MILS attorneys are again available at the Community Center but please check with the MILS mainline for the schedule. If you need legal assistance, please contact MILS at (231) 947-0122.
The Pokagon Band is providing the information regarding VLN solely for informational purposes. The Pokagon Band has no agreement with and isn't otherwise responsible for or endorsing VLN.
The Volunteer Lawyer Network ("VLN") serves clients in the counties of St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaPorte, Starke, Marshall, and Kosciusko. The offer free legal advice through clinics located throughout this area. The VLN can't place any legal matters with an attorney that cannot wait at least thirty days. The VLN can offer services in the following areas: adoptions; guardianships; dissolution (divorce); housing (landlord/tenant, evictions, etc.); consumer and collections; small business legal needs; estate law; wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives; contracts; bankruptcy; real estate; and expungements and special driving privileges.
The VLN cannot accept cases with hearings within 30 days, cases with emergency needs, or cases in the following legal areas: criminal cases; traffic/license violations; personal injury; medical malpractice; wrongful death; employment; change of venue; child in need of services cases; juvenile delinquency; paternity; and cases against the judicial system, criminal justice system, or any government entity.
For more information or to apply you can contact the VLN at:
Phone (574) 277-0075
Email vlnsouthbend@probonoindiana.org
The Volunteer Lawyer Network, Inc.
PO Box 1358
South Bend, IN 46624