Free legal help offered for C.O. seniors
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Council on Aging of Central Oregon and Legal Aid Services of Oregon are working together to offer legal services to low-income older adults living in Central Oregon. These services are provided to adults 60 years and older with preference to those in greatest social and economic need, with particular attention to low income, minority and frail individuals.
The next legal assistance sessions will be held in Redmond on Thursday, December 5, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with attorney Steve Bryant, at the Redmond Senior Center, located at 325 NW Dogwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment in Redmond and to get more information, call Tia Linschied at 541-548-6325.
Legal assistance is also available in Prineville on Tuesday, December 10th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with attorney Andrea Shartel, at the Prineville Soroptimist Senior Center, located at 180 N. Belknap. To schedule an appointment for the Prineville session and to get more information, call Melody Kendall at 541-447-6844.
Legal assistance in Madras will be available on Tuesday, December 10th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with attorney Don Reeder at the Jefferson County Community Center, located at 860 SW Madison. To schedule an appointment in Madras and to get more information, call Louise Muir at 541-419-1275.
Legal assistance will also be available in Bend on Friday, December 13th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with attorney Matt Matrisciano, at the Council on Aging office, located at 373 NE Greenwood Avenue. To schedule an appointment for the Bend session and to get more information, call Bonnie Hall at 541-678-5483.
Some of the services offered by our volunteer lawyers include assistance in the following areas: rental issues, collection of money through small claims, creditor concerns, domestic relations issues, and estate planning and probate issues. Lawyers meet with clients for free half hour consultations. Seniors may retain volunteer lawyers to do additional legal work beyond the consultation for a fee if they choose.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon currently serves low-income seniors in the following priority areas: housing, abuse protection orders, public benefits, and some defense of guardianships. Other needs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There is no attorney fee for accepted cases. Intake hours are Monday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Intake is done in person at 20360 Empire Ave. Ste. B-3, Bend, and by phone, 541-385-6944.
The Council on Aging is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and coordination of services for older adults throughout Central Oregon. For more information about local resources for older adults and their unpaid caregivers, call the Council on Aging at (541) 678-5483, visit the Council on Aging website at www.councilonaging.org, and follow the Council on Aging’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentralOregon.
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About the Council on Aging of Central Oregon
Since 1975, the Council on Aging has served as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, offering adults aged 60 and older and their loved ones a range of support services. A nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging advocates for, empowers and guides older adults and their loved ones to live with independence and well-being in age-friendly communities — places where infrastructure, policies and practices are developed to make the community livable, accessible and responsive to the needs of people of all ages, especially older adults.
Phone: (541) 678-5483
Website: www.councilonaging.org
