Pro Bono and Reduced-Fee Referral Programs in Butler County
To volunteer for one of these programs, please contact Michelle DeBord, the managing attorney of the Butler County Office, at (724) 282-3888 or stop by NLSA's Butler Office.
Pro Bono Referral Program
PFA - representation of petitioners at final hearings and at any subsequent modification or contempt hearings.
Landlord/Tenant - representation of tenants in eviction proceedings before a District Justice.
Custody - representation in a custody action before the Court of Common Pleas of a custodial parent whose child has just been snatched or who has been sued for custody.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - representation of a debtor/petitioner (and perhaps his/her spouse) in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy petition to preserve shelter or essential property.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - representation of a debtor/petitioner (and perhaps his/her spouse) in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy petition to preserve shelter or essential personal property.
Unemployment Compensation - representation of a claimant (employee) in an unemployment compensation hearing before a referee.
Reduced-Fee
Referral Program
(All fees to be paid by client in advance)
Divorce with no ancillary issues - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview and $120.00 for representation of a plaintiff in a divorce action with no ancillary issues.
Divorce with ancillary issues - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview and $120.00 for representation of a plaintiff in a divorce action and $200.00 for 5 hours of representation regarding ancillary issues. Any work over 5 hours is billed at $40.00 per hour.
Divorce Defendant - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview. If additional representation is needed, the client pays up front $200.00 towards an hourly rate of $40.00 (5 hours of work). Any work over 5 hours is billed at $40.00 per hour.
Domestic Relations - one office visit and representation at support conference or modification hearing $50.00 flat fee. One office visit and representation at support exceptions hearing or contempt hearing $75.00 flat fee.
Custody - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview. $120 for 3 hours of representation at pre-hearing contempt. $120 for representation at custody conference. $440 for 11 hours for preparation and representation at custody trial. Any work over 11 hours is billed at $40.00 per hour. $40 per hour for any other custody representation including all special relief issues. Note: if funding is received, NLSA will continue the Butler Bar Funding for the Custody Referral Program in which the funds are used to pay the reduced fees to attorneys who accept referrals under this program.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview. $440.00 for representation of client (and possibly spouse) in a basic Chapter 7 Bankruptcy plus $40.00 per hour for representation in any adversary proceedings. Client to pay court costs.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - $40.00 for 1 hour initial interview. $520.00 for representation of client (and possibly spouse) in a basic Chapter 13 Bankruptcy plus $40.00 per hour for representation in any adversary proceedings. Client to pay court costs.
Social Security - representation of SSI claimants on a contingency-fee basis.
Power of Attorney, Living Will or a Simple, Self-Proved Will - $35.00 flat fee for a Power of Attorney; $25.00 flat fee for a Living Will; $75.00 flat fee for a simple, self-proved will; or $100.00 flat fee for all three.
