How it works
Five steps, screening to decision
Five steps, and you'll know the cost after the second.
- 01
Step 1: A free screening
Twenty minutes by phone or at the clinic. We ask what's happening and tell you whether it's a case we take.
- 02
Step 2: A consultation
An hour with the lawyer or representative who'd handle your case, in Spanish, Tagalog or English. Bring every paper you have.
- 03
Step 3: Your fee, in writing
Before we prepare anything, you get a written agreement with our fee, the government's fees and the payment dates.
- 04
Step 4: We prepare and file
We draft the forms, gather the evidence with you and read everything back before you sign. You keep a copy of all we send.
- 05
Step 5: Until the decision
We prepare you for the interview or hearing, go with you when the case needs it and answer every letter from the agency.
Fees
How we set your fee
We're a nonprofit, so our fees cover only part of what a case costs us. Grants and donors pay the rest.
Your fee depends on your household's size and income and on the kind of case.
- Each service page says how we set our fee, so you can plan before you call
- Payments can be spread over the months your case is being prepared
- Government filing fees are separate and paid to the agency
If your income changes during a case, tell us. We'd rather change a payment plan than see a case stall.