When a Montana couple were facing eviction, they nearly became homeless for one reason: they couldn't afford to pay $60 in court fees that would allow them to respond to their eviction notice in court. They tried to file for a fee waiver based on their lack of income, but when the judge denied their …
Important Changes Coming for Taxpayers with ITINs
The IRS recently announced that they will require taxpayers who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to renew their ITINs periodically on a rolling schedule, beginning this October. More information can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/uac/irs-works-to-help-taxpayers-affected-by-itin-changes-renewals-begin-in-october If you use an ITIN to file your taxes and have questions on how or when you will need …
Jerry Metcalf Foundation Helps Fund Medical-Legal Partnership
The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) recently received a grant from the Jerry Metcalf Foundation in support of a staff attorney who provides services free of charge to Montanans living in poverty with health-harming civil legal needs whose solutions lay outside the boundaries of medicine and in the justice forums. These patient/clients are referred through …
Yellowstone Club Community Foundation supports MLSA’s Survivor’s Legal Project
The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) recently received a grant from the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation to help fund its Survivor’s Legal Project, which partners with Bozeman’s HAVEN domestic violence shelter, and targets the unmet civil legal needs of survivors of domestic violence in the Greater Big Sky / Bozeman communities. The Survivors Legal …
The Treacy Foundation and NorthWestern Energy Help Support to MLSA
Thanks to the generosity of the Treacy Foundation, along with financial assistance from the NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving Program, MLSA was recently able to purchase a car to be used by attorneys like Kallie Dale-Ramos, pictured right, on circuit rides throughout the state. Circuit rides to rural areas of Montana are an essential part of …
MLSA to Hold Community Conversations on Access to Justice
In honor of MLSA's 50th Anniversary of providing civil legal services to Montana’s most vulnerable citizens, MLSA is holding a series of community conversations on civil legal aid and access to justice. Titled “Justice for Some? A Conversation on Securing Equal Justice for All,” these conversations are chance for everyone to learn more about what …
MLSA Gives Thanks
MLSA staff wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and shares what we are thankful for: Opportunity to serve our clients in ways that not only make a difference in the clients' lives but also strengthens our communities. Work which helps make the world a more just place for all beings — together with a …
MLSA to Develop Comprehensive No-Cost Legal Services for Victims of Crime
Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA), in partnership with the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC), will implement the Vision 21 Victim Legal Assistance Network (Network), providing comprehensive, wraparound, no-cost legal services for victims of crime through a coordinated network of providers. The Network will assess crime victims’ legal needs across the state, including on tribal …
MLSA Wins Commuter Challenge
MLSA's Missoula office has won Missoula's "Commuter Challenge" in the small non-profit category for the second year in a row. The challenge, a week-long event encouraging people to adapt sustainable forms of commuting to work, is sponsored by Missoula in Motion. Way to go Missoula MLSA!
MLSA Holds Legal Clinic for Remote Clients Using Computer Tablets
MLSA recently held a clinic using computer tablets that allowed an MLSA attorney located in Missoula to give “face-to-face” legal advice to clients in another community. MLSA staff attorney Diana Garrett and each clinic participant used specially formatted tablets to discuss the participant’s case. Ms. Garrett and the participants were able to view and speak …