Below is a collection of frequently asked questions that applicants may have when applying for our services. If you have a question that is not listed below, please contact the closest ALSC office.
What is ALSC?
Alaska Legal Services Corporation is the only statewide provider of free general civil legal aid for low-income and vulnerable Alaskans. Since 1967, we have provided legal assistance and advocacy to help the people of Alaska obtain the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, health care, safety and education.
How can I get a lawyer?
If you need legal assistance, please fill out an application for the ALSC office that is closest to your location. If you are eligible for our services, you will be scheduled to speak with an attorney who will discuss your issue with you. If you have any questions about our application process, please contact us.
What kind of problem should I call about?
ALSC can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:
- Consumer issues including debt collection, garnishment, repossession, contracts, debtor harassment, and other consumer matters.
- Domestic violence issues such as orders of protection, custody/visitation, child/spousal support, divorce, domestic violence related housing and public benefits issues.
- Elder advocacy for Alaska residents who are at least 60 years of age who are in social and/or economic need.
- Family law matters including divorce, juvenile issues, custody and adoption, and domestic abuse.
- Housing advice and representation for foreclosures, mortgage scams, landlord tenant disputes, subsidized housing, fair lending, fair housing, and other issues.
- Healthcare assistance for obtaining access to Medicaid and Medicare, home or community based care, Denali KidCare, and children’s health insurance programs.
- Public benefits access including health care, cash assistance, food assistance, reemployment assistance, social security and disability benefits.
- Veteran assistance and representation for disability compensation, pensions, filing appeals for Veterans Claims, inappropriate discharge, dependent and survivor benefits, and other public benefits.
ALSC can also help with probate matters including guardianship defense, wills, living wills, small estates and powers of attorney.
Does ALSC handle criminal cases?
No, call the local Public Defender or ask the Court to appoint an attorney for you.
What information will I need when I contact ALSC?
To determine eligibility for our services, we will ask you questions about your household income. Please be prepared with all of the papers regarding your legal problem.
What do ALSC attorneys do?
Lawyers in a legal services office provide the same legal services as any other attorneys. They can advise and represent you in most areas of civil law, although each office has priorities for the type of cases they will take. Because the number of people demanding legal services exceeds the amount of staff and money available to handle cases, ALSC cannot take every case.
Criminal cases are not handled because the state provides public defenders to represent persons accused of criminal actions who cannot afford private attorneys. Also, the legal services offices generally do not deal with cases where a person is seeking money as a settlement. In such cases a private attorney will usually represent a client without any initial charge, collecting a fee only if the client’s case is won. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the client’s settlement. This is called a contingency fee.
