Adult Representation Services
Dedicated advocacy
The Hennepin County Adult Representation Services Department is an independent county organization that provides advocacy to clients experiencing poverty in civil matters where they are entitled to an attorney. We connect our clients to resources to support them in achieving self-sufficiency and serve as advocates to protect their rights both in and outside of court.
We are not affiliated with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office or the Hennepin County Child Support Division. Consultation with us is confidential.
Open positions
Featured stories
Staff highlights: Jamielee Brown, Case management assistant - March 2023
Jamielee Brown uses her social work expertise and passion for maternal health to help families facing child protection involvement. The parents’ “well-being determines the health of the next generation,” Brown said.
In honor of Women’s History Month, ARS honors women in law - March 2023
ARS Director: “As I reflected on Women’s History Month, I thought of Julia’s swearing-in, the role of women in the ARS office and the broader legal profession, and my own journey.”
New Health Equity Legal Project focuses on maternal health, family stability - March 2023
Health Equity Legal Project (HELP): Providing legal services and support for parents at risk of child protection involvement. Focusing on health and stability to keep families intact.
Legal advice and representation for tenants facing eviction
Housing court
We provide legal advice and representation for tenants facing evictions. We understand housing court can be an overwhelming and stressful process. Our goal is to protect your rights and help you maintain stable housing.
We can:
- Advocate for you with landlords and the courts to ensure your rights are protected
- Provide legal advice before and during housing court proceedings and represent you in court
- Negotiate with your landlord to try to resolve issues out of court, or to help you achieve a better outcome if you go to court
- Help prevent evictions and get evictions removed from your record
- Connect you with financial assistance and other services to help you achieve stable housing
Contact us with questions or to see if you are eligible.
Legal advice and representation to noncustodial parents
Family court
We provide legal advice and representation to noncustodial parents who are behind in child support payments and who are facing court action as a result. Our goal is to help you achieve stability so that you can meet your child support obligations.
We can:
- Provide an opportunity for noncustodial parents to speak with an attorney regarding why they are unable to pay child support
- Connect to services and opportunities
- Represent non-custodial parents facing possible jail time of a contempt of court motion
- Represent parents in paternity matters up to the point of adjudication of paternity
Contact us with questions or to see if you are eligible.
Supporting parents involved with child protection
Parent representation
We provide legal advice and representation to parents and guardians who are involved with child protection, both before and during court proceedings. We understand working with child protection can be an overwhelming and stressful process. Our goal is to help you and your family prevent court involvement and achieve positive outcomes if you do have to go to court.
We can:
- Provide legal advice before and during court involvement
- Represent you in child protection court to help you reach your goals
- Connect you with services and supports to help your family achieve stability
- Advocate for you with child protection and the courts to ensure your rights are protected
Contact us with questions or to see if you are eligible.
Legal advice and representation for individuals subject to guardianship or conservatorship
Probate team
We represent individuals who are subject to guardianship / conservatorship or a guardianship / conservatorship petition. Our goal is to promote your autonomy and ensure any guardianship or conservatorship arrangement is necessary and appropriate.
We can:
- Protect your procedural rights and ensure petitioners meet legal requirements
- Work with petitioners to create arrangements that allow you to retain as many of your rights as possible
- Ensure guardians / conservators are acting in your best interests
- Represent you in regaining your legal rights if a guardianship / conservatorship is no longer necessary
Contact us with questions or to see if you are eligible.