With Evictions and Other Civil Cases Expected to Surge Nonprofit Help Low-Income Residents

Civil legal problems, such as evictions, orders for protection, debt collection, unemployment, and public benefits issues, have spiked in the wake of COVID-19, according to those in the legal profession.

With the issuance of a judicial order in late May by the Minnesota Supreme Court requiring each district court in every county and state-level appellate courts to open at least one public service counter on or no later than June 15, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota expects courts to get busier, and soon. LSNM anticipates a surge of eviction filings and attempts on illegal evictions.

“It is clear that civil legal aid is a vital component of the public response to our current health crisis. LSNM is here to support and respond to the needs and concerns of low-income individuals who lack access to the justice system,” said LSNM Executive Director Anne Hoefgen.

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