Protect your rights or get the help you need, without a lawyer.
Sometimes you can fix your legal problem yourself. Here are forms, on-line applications, and information that may help you handle your problem. Some legal problems have deadlines which must be met or you lose your rights. You might need Adobe Acrobat reader for some information. To download this free software, click here.
There are 45 resources
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Basic Landlord-Tenant Law
Appealing a Justice of the Peace Court Eviction Judgment
Information about appealing an eviction judgment of a justice of the peace court, and sample petition for suspensive appeal by trial de novo.
By: New Orleans Legal Assistance
How to Defend Yourself in an Eviction
Basic tips about defending yourself in an eviction lawsuit. There are also instructions for filing an Answer to an eviction suit and a sample Answer. The sample Answer is not a substitute for a lawyer's advice, and it is best to talk with a lawyer if you can before filing any court papers.
By: New Orleans Legal Assistance
In Forma Pauperis--When You Can't Afford Court Costs
Questions and answers about how to ask the court to waive court filing fees, and a link to the In Forma Pauperis form on the Louisiana Supreme Court's website.
By: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
File a Housing Discrimination Complaint
(Separate Website)
Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is against federal law. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint online, by mail, or by phone.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Read this in:
Spanish / Espaņol
Home Buying Help from HUD
(Separate Website)
Lots of help here for home buyers! Watch a video about buying a home. Find out how much mortgage you can afford. Find a housing counselor to give you advice. Read about laws that protect you. Home-shopping checklist, maps, and more.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Read this in:
Spanish / Espaņol
Louisiana Housing Financing Agency
(Separate Website)
This agency develops programs to help finance safe and affordable housing for low and moderate income Louisianans.
By: State of Louisiana
How to Defend Yourself in an Eviction
Basic tips about defending yourself in an eviction lawsuit. There are also instructions for filing an Answer to an eviction suit and a sample Answer. The sample Answer is not a substitute for a lawyer's advice, and it is best to talk with a lawyer if you can before filing any court papers.
By: New Orleans Legal Assistance
Appealing a Justice of the Peace Court Eviction Judgment
Information about appealing an eviction judgment of a justice of the peace court, and sample petition for suspensive appeal by trial de novo.
By: New Orleans Legal Assistance
Appealing a City or Parish Court Eviction Judgment
Information about appealing an eviction judgment from a city court or a parish court. Sample motion for appeal of a city or parish court eviction judgment.
By: New Orleans Legal Assistance
In Forma Pauperis--When You Can't Afford Court Costs
Questions and answers about how to ask the court to waive court filing fees, and a link to the In Forma Pauperis form on the Louisiana Supreme Court's website.
By: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Avoid Investment Fraud
(Separate Website)
Helpful things to know to avoid investment fraud. Information from the National Crime Prevention Council.
By: National Crime Prevention Council
Avoid Telemarketing Scams
(Separate Website)
Find out how to deal with scam artists who use telemarketing to steal or rip you off.
By: National Crime Prevention Council
Consumer Action Handbook
(Separate Website)
Order FREE 2007 Consumer Action Handbook - help with your consumer problems and complaints.
By: Consumer Action Website-Federal Citizen Information Center
Other Formats:
PDF File
Consumer Action Website
(Separate Website)
Federal agency website with lots of consumer information and resources.
By: Federal Citizen Information Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Espaņol
Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud
(Separate Website)
Tips on how to protect yourself from predatory lenders, and how to help yourself if it happens to you.
By: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Read this in:
Spanish / Espaņol
File a Consumer Fraud Complaint
(Separate Website)
Online complaint to the Louisiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section.
By: Office of the Louisiana Attorney General
File a Housing Discrimination Complaint
(Separate Website)
Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is against federal law. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint online, by mail, or by phone.
By: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Read this in:
Spanish / Espaņol
Filing for Bankruptcy Without An Attorney
(Separate Website)
This page has information for those trying to file for bankruptcy on their own. The courts warn that the system is hard to get around without a lawyer, so there is also information about where to get legal help.
By: United States Bankruptcy Courts
Identity Theft -- Tips to Avoid Predators Learn how to protect yourself against identity theft.
By: National Crime Prevention Council.
Learn About Reverse Mortgages
(Separate Website)
A free online course on reverse mortgages.
By: AARP
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