St. Louis Area Courts Seeing Increase in Cases Related to Pandemic

Legal advocates say they're starting to see an increase in cases related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, family law cases related to domestic violence are rising.  "There could be no worse circumstance than sheltering in place with an abuser," says Dan Glazier, Executive Director, and General Counsel, "and I think we are seeing the results of that,"  Glazier says that includes seeking orders of protection as well as child custody and support issues.  The agency provides free legal services to clients in nearly two dozen counties. 

Glazier tells KMOX they're also starting to see an increase in housing cases related to evictions.  He expects those to continue to rise.  He adds many of their clients also need help obtaining public benefits for food and health care.

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