Legal Services of Northern Michigan is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free, high-quality legal advice and representation to eligible low-income and marginalized clients across Northern Michigan. With over 50 years of experience bridging the justice gap, the organization specializes in civil matters including consumer cases, family law, housing disputes, and government benefits.
Guided by a Board of Directors and managed by an experienced leadership team, LSNM focuses on supporting individuals and families impacted by poverty, discrimination, domestic violence, and elder abuse. The firm does not handle criminal cases or fee-generating civil matters, and prioritizes cases that address immediate safety risks or stabilize essential living conditions for vulnerable populations.
Services Offered
- Securing and maintaining Personal Protection Orders
- Divorce and custody cases for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors
- Custody actions when children are at risk
- Eviction defense
- Fighting unfair housing practices
- Securing and maintaining federal housing subsidies
- Challenging mortgage foreclosures and predatory lending practices
- Defending land contract forfeitures and option contracts
- Mobile home park litigation
- Tax forfeiture defense
- Home purchase advising and assistance
- Debt collection harassment and lawsuits
- Repossession defense
- Financial exploitation cases
- Credit counseling
- Garnishment defense
- Student loan collection disputes
- Unfair sales practices
- Contract and warranty issues
- Public benefits assistance
- Healthcare access advocacy
- Simple wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives
- Cash assistance programs
- Emergency relief programs
- Disability programs
- Food programs
- Education-related issues including suspension, expulsion, and IEP/Special Education rights
- Legal advice and representation for seniors age 60 and older
- Community organization legal advice and group talks
LSNM serves clients across 36 counties in Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula through six regional offices and out-county assistance lines. Services are available in English, and the organization is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Funding for senior services is provided in part by Area Agencies on Aging Regions 9, 10, and 11.
