MLSA is excited to announced that we recently received a grant from the Pride Foundation, which works to advance equity and justice for LGBTQ+ people in all communities across the Northwest. The grant will fund MLSA’s new TransForm Project, which aims to increase access to the justice system for transgender individuals and allow MLSA to …
MLSA is excited to announce a new self-help program coming to rural communities throughout the state! Developed in conjunction with the Montana Court Help Program and the Office of the Court Administrator, Court Help Connect places computer workstations at libraries and community centers starting in Anaconda and Dillon. The workstations, which include a laptop, printer, …
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2018, specific changes have been made to the federal tax code that could have special implications for members of the military as they file their 2018 taxes. Specifically, the new tax law has eliminated the deduction for moving expenses — but …
The Missoula Independent explores the challenges of pro se litigants in Montana.
MLSA attorneys and AmeriCorps members recently attended the Billings Community Connect and Missoula Homeless Connect events, providing legal information to approximately 300 people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. MLSA addressed attendees’ legal needs by providing legal topic brochures, applications, and business cards featuring information for both the MLSA HelpLine and MontanaLawHelp.org. Further, MLSA …
MLSA has recently constructed a new webpage dedicated to resources in Spanish. This makes connecting with Spanish speakers much easier. The webpage has a simple, obvious name: ‘En Español’. A link to the page is provided on the MLSA homepage, reading ‘Para recursos en español, haga clic aquí’ (For resources in Spanish, click here). This …
Do you need a legal form for a Montana case? Don't get scammed–many forms are offered for free. Every year at MLSA we hear of unfortunate people who end up paying for forms that can be found for free. If you need a form, please look for a free form before paying. You can find …
MLSA is pleased to announce significant accomplishments by two of our leaders: Alison Paul, MLSA Executive Director, shown above, was appointed by the Montana Supreme Court to the newly formed Access to Justice Commission.The purpose of the Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) will be to assess, plan, coordinate, and make recommendations regarding access to justice …
By Judy Meadows, Montana State Law Librarian and Co-Chair, Montana Commission on Self-Represented LitigantsThe Montana Supreme Court’s Commission on Self-Represented Litigants (the Commission) and Montana Legal Services Association have spent years developing, reviewing, editing and approving legal forms that are easy to understand and compliant with state law. These forms are then posted on the …
By Judy Meadows, Montana State Law Librarian and Co-Chair, Montana Commission on Self-Represented LitigantsThe Montana Commission on Self-Represented Litigants, created in 2000 by order of the Montana Supreme Court, has worked to create and approve easy to use forms for pro ses, as well as explanations of how to proceed in court. We have partnered …
