Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program

The Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program offers support to qualifying low-income individuals in several legal matters such as custody and visitation, limited divorce, guardianship, adoption, debt defense, and issues related to non-profit organizations, as well as wills and probate (excluding property matters). IVLP attorneys focus on high-priority cases or assist applicants through clinics and legal consultations, helping them navigate self-representation in child custody court cases. Volunteer attorneys provide guidance in Family Law, debt collection, and specific matters for non-profits. Advice and Consultation Clinics are held at Senior Centers in Boise, Meridian, Mountain Home, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls, along with Legal Link in Coeur d'Alene, covering any legal topic. Through the Soundstart initiative, IVLP volunteer attorneys offer legal insights to low-income, single parents, promoting legal structures that ensure stability and safety for new families. The program encourages these parents to secure court orders for custody, modifications, and child support with the help of IVLP volunteer attorneys or Pro Se Clinics. Eligible case types include: Divorce and Child Custody (with priority given to cases involving domestic violence or child endangerment), Modification of Divorce or Custody (prioritizing recent documented cases of domestic violence or child endangerment), limited Consumer Cases, Guardianship of children or adults, and limited Wills and Probate for those with few assets. The IVLP also hosts monthly pro se family law clinics in Boise, where volunteer attorneys and paralegals assist low-income parents in completing free online Court Assistance Office forms related to Family Law. Interested individuals must first be screened for income eligibility by IVLP staff over the phone, after which they complete an application. Once approved, they will be informed of clinic dates and registered to attend. Participants will learn how to file for divorce, establish or modify child custody, modify child support orders, and access available free forms through the online Court Assistance Office site. Services are offered in both English and Spanish. Intake Procedure: Interested individuals should contact IVLP for an intake interview or can print the application form from www.idaho.gov/isb/PDF/IVLP%20App.pdf.