Legal Services of South Central Michigan - Battle Creek Office

Contact Information

Name: Legal Services of South Central Michigan - Battle Creek Office
Address: 123 W Territorial Rd., Battle Creek, MI - 49015
Phone: (269) 965-3951
Fax: (269) 965-4874

Service Information

Legal Services of South Central Michigan provides free civil legal assistance to low income persons with emphasis on homelessness prevention, domestic violence prevention, assisting in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs. LSSCM provides general civil legal services to low-income persons and senior citizens in 13 counties in south and central Michigan. LSSCM uses federal income eligibility limits (125% of the federal poverty level) to determine income eligibility. Pursuant to federal guidelines, we are also able to represent clients who have household incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty levels with certain eligible expenses.

You may telephone our offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the phone numbers listed below. You may be interviewed by phone when you call, or advised to come in for an in-person interview, or asked to leave your name and number for a call back when an intake person is available.

Serves Barry, Branch & Calhoun Counties.


Mission Statement: LSSCM provides free civil legal assistance to low income persons with emphasis on homelessness prevention, domestic violence prevention, assisting in accessing health care, food, and needs-based income programs. In addition to representation in individual cases, LSSCM is part of a network of agencies providing services to the community’s most vulnerable members. LSSCM engages in systemic advocacy to help alleviate the barriers and hurdles faced by low income individuals. LSSCM provides general civil legal services to low-income persons and senior citizens in 13 counties in south and central Michigan. We have staffed offices in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Jackson and Monroe. We also have smaller satellite offices to meet with clients in several other counties. LSSCM prioritizes urgent and critical cases that often result in keeping families safe, preserving their homes from illegal evictions or foreclosures, maintaining economic stability, and obtaining support for children. In addition, LSSCM helps vulnerable populations with legal problems, such as protecting the elderly from unscrupulous contractors, helping persons with disabilities access medical care and other services that make an important difference in the lives of vulnerable people. There are over 542,000 individuals (32% of the population) within the counties that LSSCM serves who qualify for free civil legal aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal advice and assistance given to those who cannot afford the services of an attorney.

2. Who is eligible for legal aid?

The eligibility requirements for legal aid vary depending on the country or state, but generally, those who have limited income and cannot afford the services of a lawyer are eligible for legal aid.

3. How can I apply for legal aid?

To apply for legal aid, you can either visit your local legal aid office or access their website to fill out an application form. You will be required to provide information on your income and assets, as well as the legal issue you need assistance with.

4. What types of legal issues are covered by legal aid?

Legal aid covers a wide range of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, employment law, housing, consumer law, and immigration law.

5. Can I choose my lawyer with legal aid?

In some cases, you may be able to choose your lawyer with legal aid. However, in most cases, the lawyer assigned to you by legal aid will depend on their availability and expertise in the area of law your case involves.

6. How much does legal aid cost?

Legal aid is either free or offered at a reduced cost, depending on your income and assets.

7. What documents do I need to provide for legal aid?

When applying for legal aid, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, such as bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits.

8. Is legal aid available for international cases?

Legal aid is only available for cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the country or state offering legal aid services.

9. Can I appeal a decision made by legal aid?

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by legal aid, you may have the right to appeal the decision. This may involve filling out an appeal form or attending a hearing.

10. How can I find a legal aid office in my area?

You can find a legal aid office in your area by searching online or contacting your local bar association.