Clients who qualify for free legal assistance must sign a certification and retainer agreement. Clients must agree to keep DVLS informed of changes in income and any other facts that may be relevant to the matter at issue. 

Clients will not be responsible for attorney's fees, however they will be required to pay filing and service fees and other court costs. 

  • Protection from Abuse
    • DVLS handles  protection from abuse and other family law matters for victims of domestic violence.  If you are a victim of domestic violence and do not have access to income or otherwise meet our income guidelines, you may be eligible for free legal assistance.
  • Housing
    • DVLS handles private housing matters if you have a legal excuse for not paying rent,  such as: no heat, hot water or other condition issues.
  • Consumer 
    • DVLS does not handle consumer law issues. Consumer Law issues are handled by the Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (302) 575-0408. Consumer Law includes: 
      Breach of Contract
      Fair Credit Reporting Actions
      Debt Collection
      Bankruptcy
      Deceptive Trade Acts and Practices; Fraud
      Repossession
       
  • Elderly or Terminally Ill
    • DVLS provides assistance in drafting wills, power of attorney and living wills for the elderly and terminally ill, or other special needs.  DVLS also has volunteer attorneys to act as guardian ad litem attorneys as well as attorneys to represent the interest of the guardian if they fall within the poverty level.
  • Family Law
    • DVLS assists clients with custody, visitation (limited) and divorce.

  • Child Support

    • The Division of Child Support Enforcement at 302-577-4863 handles matters of child support enforcement.
    • If you are seeking legal assistance with regard to your payment of child support, contact the Lawyer Referral Service at (302) 478-8850.

  • Community Outreach
    Widener University School of Law's clinic students through DVLS visit the Brandywine Senior Center, the Latin American Community Center, the YWCA and the Battered Women's Shelter.  Center staff members and DVLS work closely to identify their client's legal problems and to make appropriate referrals.  DVLS staff continue to visit homeless shelters periodically and receive referrals for potential clients.

  • Veterans

When a veteran's application for VA benefits is turned down by the Regional Office, and rejected by Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), the veteran has to file a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Veterans Appeals (COVA) in Washington. 
Over 75% of all COVA cases are filed by veterans without legal aid. Most of these appeals are unsuccessful. When a veteran has a lawyer working on the COVA appeal, the veteran's success rate is 80%.