Senior Law Project

Marion-Polk Legal Aid Service (MPLAS) provides civil legal services to any senior (age 60 or over) residing in Marion or Polk County regardless of income level. Any type of legal problem may be discussed, but not all are accepted for representation. The Senior Law Project advises mostly on basic wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, consumer issues, nursing and foster home issues, guardianship and conservatorship defenses, and Medicaid and Social Security issues.

Seniors can call Glyn Arko at 503 581-5265, ext. 16 for information and/or appointments.

ELVIS Lives at Marion-Polk Legal Aid

ELVIS (Emeritus Lawyers Volunteering In Service) is a volunteer lawyer program which gives retired attorneys an opportunity to keep working in the law without sacrificing retirement. To become an ELVIS attorney, you must have at least 15 years membership in a state bar association and be a current member of the Oregon State Bar. You agree to donate a minimum of 40 hours per year to help legal services offices meet the needs of the low-income community in your local area.

There are always opportunities available for any eligible attorney interested in volunteering and more volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mr. Michael Keeney at (503) 581-5265, extension 17.

Pro Se Program

Pro Se is another way to say "do-it-yourself." MPLAS provides instruction for "do-it-yourselfers" for both divorce and custody. You must apply for service so an attorney or paralegal can determine if you are eligible for pro se.

Divorce classes are held monthly, usually on a Wednesday morning. The papers required by the court are distributed and reviewed in the class. After a client fills out the forms, they can attend a follow-up session and have an attorney or paralegal review them for accuracy.

Custody classes are held monthly if there are enough applicants. These classes are most appropriate for people who have children but have never married. As with the divorce class, forms are reviewed in class and a follow-up session is scheduled to have an attorney or paralegal review them for accuracy.

MPLAS does not have "do-it-yourself" classes for any other legal issues. However, there are booklets and brochures available on other legal topics such as obtaining a restraining order, unpaid bills, and unemployment benefits. You may also get online legal information at the Oregon State Bar website (www.osbar.org) or Oregon Law Help (www.oregonlawhelp.org) .