We do not handle criminal matters, traffic violations, personal injuries or malpractice cases and other cases outside of our priorities. Clients must also qualify as “low income” under our financial guidelines.

Financial eligibility for our services is based primarily on the number of persons in the applicant’s household, the household’s income and resources, as well as the type of case involved. BRLS does not use a sliding fee scale. If the applicant is eligible, the services are free. If the applicant is “over-income,” then no services can be provided.

Because of financial support we receive from the Roanoke Local Office on Aging (LOA), Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), and the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging (SAAA), we are able to assist some senior citizens in the greatest socio-economic need who might not otherwise qualify for our services.

Unfortunately, limited funding prevents the provision of legal assistance to every low-income resident of our service area who requests assistance in a civil (i.e., non-criminal) matter. Instead, our Board of Directors has adopted a system of case priorities that we utilize to make case acceptance decisions.

For information about how to apply for our services, click here.