Updated 2007
The Law and Aging Guide is a comprehensive listing of the state-wide resources available to help older persons with law-related issues. Published by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, the Guide includes important contact numbers and addresses for legal assistance providers and other law-related services for the elderly. Many states now have toll-free senior legal hotlines. If you are an older person (or family member or trusted friend of an older person) who needs legal advice or assistance, the first step is to see if your state has a hotline, and, if it does, to call the hotline listed below.
[Note: If you are legal services provider or entity listed below, please email any changes of address or information to the ABA Commission at abaelderly@abanet.org , attn: Law and Aging Guide.]
Rhode Island
A. Senior Legal Hotline: None Listed
B. Legal Assistance Developer
Rhonda Schwartz
Legal Services Developer/Legal Counsel
Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs
Pastore Center, Benjamin Rush Bldg. 55
35 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 462-0537; fax (401) 462-0503
The Legal Services Developer helps elders obtain legal assistance. The developer provides public information on legal issues affecting older people and is available to speak at senior organizations. A "Pocket Manual of Elder Services" is also available, contact the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs. The manual is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Roberta Hawkins
Alliance for Better Long-Term Care
Lakewood Building
422 Post Rd., Ste. 204
Warwick, RI 02888
(401) 785-3340; fax (401) 785-3391
D. Legal Services Funded Under the Older Americans Act
If your income falls within certain guidelines, you may be able to get legal help from the Legal Services or Legal Aid program in your area. In some communities, the Older Americans Act program serving older people and the legal aid program are one and the same. For a state-by-state listing of Legal Services programs, go to http://www.lsc.gov/
Rhode Island - Department Of Elderly Affairs
35 Howard Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 462-0500
www.dea.state.ri.us
E. Bar Committees/Sections
Rhode Island Bar Association
115 Cedar St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-5740; fax (401) 421-2703
Web: http://www.ribar.com/
F. National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- Rhode Island Chapter
None listed
G. Legal Assistance Projects Involving Private Attorneys
If your income falls within certain guidelines, you may be able to get legal help from the Legal Services or Legal Aid program in your area. In some communities, the Older Americans Act program serving older people and the legal aid program are one and the same. For a state-by-state listing of Legal Services programs, go to http://www.lsc.gov/fundprog.htm
Legal Information and Referral Service for the Elderly
115 Cedar St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-1666; (401) 521-5040 TDD
This service helps seniors, age 60 and older, obtain legal services and advice. Seniors may receive a free initial consultation of up to 30 minutes. A reduced-fee program is available for moderate-income seniors; a no-fee program is available for certain low-income seniors. Established in 1980, the service handles a wide variety of civil law matters. About 1,500 referrals per year are made to over 300 participating attorneys. Approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of the referrals are pro bono and the remaining reduced-fee. The project also conducts outreach clinics for the elderly.
H. Law School
Roger Williams University School of Law
Ten Metacom Ave.
Bristol, RI 02809-5171
(401) 254-4500
fax (401) 254-3524
Web: http://law.rwu.edu
I. Attorney General's Office
Patrick C. Lynch, Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General
150 S. Main St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-4400
Web: http://www.riag.state.ri.us
J. State Protection and Advocacy Agency
Rhode Island Disability Law Center, Inc.
349 Eddy St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 831-3150; (401) 831-5335 (TDD); (800) 733-5332; fax (401) 274-5568
Web: www.ridlc.org
K. Dispute Resolution
Rhode Island Council of Family Mediators
500 Prospect St.
Pawtucket, RI 02903
(401) 463-9800 or (401) 722-8400; fax (401) 463-5907
The council is a state-wide non-profit organization composed of mediators and those who have an interest in mediation. The goals of the organization are to educate the public about the benefits to the parties and the family of divorce mediation. Additionally, the organization provides a method for mediators to gather at meetings to hear speakers on different topics of interest to mediators.
L. Other Projects
None listed.
