Frequently-asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions people ask.
Q: Who does Legal Aid help?
A: We provide legal assistance to eligible Napa County residents who are either (a) 60 years of age or older, (b) immigrants, and/or (c) low-income people.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: Individuals must be Napa County residents to receive Legal Aid’s services. Additional eligibility requirements differ for each of our three program areas. Please click on the specific program links for details: Seniors, Immigrants, Baseline. If you aren’t sure if you are eligible, contact us for more information.
Q: How much does Legal Aid charge for its services?
A: There is no charge for our legal advice and representation. However, clients are responsible for paying court and/or administrative agency fees where applicable. We assist clients in completing fee waiver requests to reduce or eliminate these costs.
Q: What geographic areas does Legal Aid serve?
A: Our office is in downtown Napa, but we assist eligible clients who live anywhere in Napa County. We have regular free legal clinics at different locations throughout the county, including American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville.
Q: What kinds of legal matters does Legal Aid handle?
A: We have three programs: Senior Legal Services, Immigrant Legal Services, and Baseline (Low-Income) Legal Services. While each program handles different types of legal issues, our chief focus is on promoting the health, safety and economic sufficiency of Napa County residents. Click on the program links for details.
Q: What kinds of legal matters doesn’t Legal Aid handle?
A: We do not handle criminal cases or certain civil matters such as personal injury, product liability, small claims or personal disputes over property.
Q: How do I get to see a lawyer?
A: There are two ways to obtain Legal Aid’s services. You can contact us to open a case and then schedule an appointment with an attorney in our offices in downtown Napa, or you can attend one of our free legal advice clinics.
Q: I need legal help but I don’t speak English very well. Can Legal Aid help me?
A: Because most of Legal Aid’s lawyers, legal advocates and staff members are English/Spanish bilingual, we are able to serve Spanish-speaking clients with little or no English skills. Legal Aid will also accommodate client’s other language needs as necessary.
Q: I don’t meet your eligibility requirements for free legal services, but I still need help with a legal problem. Are there other resources available to me?
A: For information on finding a lawyer, click Resources and scroll down to “Self-Help and Other Legal Resources.”
