Need free legal assistance?

The Raritan Valley YMCA (www.raritanvalleyymca.org) has teamed up with the Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services at 732-745-3295 to increase public awareness of services and opportunities for county seniors, the disabled, and their care givers.

How do I find out about legal services in Middlesex County? Contact Central Jersey Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. They offer free legal help in civil (non-criminal) cases for low-income residents of Mercer, Middlesex and Union Counties. If you have a legal problem and cannot afford an attorney, Central Jersey Legal Services is here to help. Click here to download a brochure or phone: (732) 249-7600.

Attorneys and paralegals will answer your questions and provide legal advice and instruction in self-help, or they may offer full representation. The type of service you receive depends on the details of your case. Some problems can be solved with advice and instruction, others require more extensive services. Common types of cases handled include:

Housing Problems
Eviction, foreclosure, rent collection, tenant repair issues, Section 8 and other public housing problems, and housing discrimination.
Family Matters
Help for victims of domestic violence, divorce, child custody, support and visitation.
Consumer Problems
Bankruptcy, collections, credit access, utility billing/shut-offs, unfair sales practices, and consumer fraud.
Public Benefits and Employment
Benefits such as TANF, GA, SSI/SSD, and Food Stamps. Unemployment, and pay or benefits withholding.
Health & Education
Medicaid/Medicare, Charity Care, prescription drug coverage, private insurance, and access to health care. Residency.
Senior Citizens
Powers of attorney, wills, guardianships, nursing homes and other health care issues.

Eligibility for Service
Eligibility for legal services depends on household income and type of legal problem. CJLS has limited resources, and we are not able to provide help to everyone who is eligible.
How to Get Legal Help
Call (732) 249-7600 or visit one of our offices between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to find out if you qualify for assistance. An intake can be completed over the phone or in person.

Contact the Raritan Valley YMCA at 144 Tices Lane to find out about exercise and wellness programs: 732-257-4114 or www.raritanvalleyymca.org.