Programs and service areas

We advocate for our clients’ rights and provide legal services in several different areas. We also help clients navigate legal and government systems and connect them with financial support and community organizations.

Take a look at the variety of services we offer and contact us with questions. You can also apply for services through our online eligibility form.

Civil commitment

We provide legal advice and representation for individuals subject to civil commitment proceedings. We can:

Advocate for you at every stage of the civil commitment proceeding
Represent you in proceedings about the administration of certain medications
Advocate for discharge from or a change to your civil commitment
Provide representation post-trial and/or at recommitment hearings
Advocate for your civil commitment records to be sealed
Connect you with supportive legal services

Family court

We provide legal advice and representation for individuals who are ordered to pay child support. We can:

Review your circumstances to determine if you are eligible to lower your child support payment
Give advice on how to address child support arrears (i.e. amounts that are overdue and unpaid)
Represent parents facing contempt and possible jail time for non-payment of child support
Represent parents in paternity matters up to the point of adjudication of paternity
Connect you with other supportive legal and community services

Guardianship

We provide legal advice and help you make the changes you want if you are under guardianship in Hennepin County. We can:

Identify ways to avoid guardianship through supported decision making
Bring an action in court to change your guardian
Ask the court to limit your guardian’s ability to make decisions for you
Petition to terminate your guardianship when you feel you no longer need it

Health Equity Legal Project (HELP)

The Health Equity Legal Project provides free legal representation to expecting parents and parents with at least one child under 5 years old in the home, who are experiencing hardships that put them at risk for child protection involvement.

Clients receive services from an interdisciplinary team, including:

Peer support from parent mentors with lived experience
Resource and system navigation
Referrals to community-based partner organizations
Family-centered legal services related to child protection, housing, immigration, paternity, and more

Interested in the HELP program?

Complete the HELP referral form (PDF) and email it to contactars@hennepin.us.

Housing court

We provide legal advice and representation for tenants facing evictions. We can:

Advocate and negotiate 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
Help prevent evictions and have an eviction removed from your record
Connect you with financial assistance and services to help you achieve stable housing

Already have a housing court date?

Complete the Housing Court Representation Eligibility screening to see if you are eligible for free representation.

Immigration

We provide legal advice and representation to noncitizens. We can:

Provide advice and answer immigration-related questions
Help determine if you are eligible to obtain or improve your immigration status
Represent you on applications for immigration benefits, such as citizenship, work authorization, and more
Refer you to other legal services as needed

Parent representation

We provide legal advice and representation to parents and guardians who are involved with child protection. 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