How to Apply for Legal Assistance

FREE OR FEE REDUCED COLLABORATIVE SERVICES
Collaborative divorce services provided by a Foundation referral are contingent, in part, on your income. It is very important that you review these income guidelines to make certain you understand the limitations.

Participation in the program requires a complete financial disclosure, a written agreement of all parties to follow the rules of the collaborative process, and an agreement not to go to court. The income levels listed below  are a guideline and are not the sole determining factor for acceptance into the program. These levels were adjusted upward by the Foundation effective for 2023. Therefore you may qualify when you did not under the former limitations.

If your family’s total gross annual income does not exceed the amount listed below, based on the number of people in your family, services may be provided at no cost to you provided you comply with all the rules of the program and adhere to the process outlined by the service team:

Family Size         Maximum Income*

Two people              $ 49,300
Three people           $ 62,100
Four people             $ 75,000

*new thresholds effective for calendar Year 2023. 

You may qualify for the Foundation’s low cost services program if your income exceeds these levels. Under that program you pay a portion of the professional fees which have been agreed to by Foundation volunteer attorneys, coaches, child specialists and financial neutrals.

You are encouraged to apply regardless of your income as these thresholds are guidelines and every situation is reviewed.

You may begin the application process online, and receive a preliminary acknowledgement of your application. You will still be required to complete and submit the a more detailed Financial Disclosure Statement which will be provided you following receipt of both applications.

An online application is as follows:

1. Both of you must complete and submit your own Application and Certification form below.
   
2. Following receipt of both applications you will receive an email with instructions to complete a financial disclosure statement. This statement is required by the Court to complete your case.
3. Once items 1 and 2 are completed you will contacted regarding next steps.

If you have questions you may email us at info@collabwis.org. We will respond as soon as possible.

Application & Certification – online

Please complete and submit the following. All information is collected using a secure server and your confidentiality is important to us.

Your Full Name *

First

Last

By submitting this application, you understand that the Collaborative Foundation does not guarantee that it will find an attorney who will accept your case. If the Collaborative Foundation refers you to a pro bono or reduced-fee attorney, the attorney may refuse to accept your case if it is deemed to not be appropriate for the Collaborative process, would involve violation of law or Rules of Professional Responsibility, or other legitimate reasons. Applicants release the Collaborative Foundation and its officers, directors, and agents from any and all claims, losses, and liability arising out of any referral made by or through the Collaborative Foundation. Any failure to comply with schedules and appointments made with Foundation volunteers will mean immediate dismissal of your case.

Address *

Address Line 1

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Layout

Today's Date *

Your Email

Please provide an estimate of the following income categories. More detailed information will be required in the Detailed Financial Form

YOUR Estimated Annual Gross Income (Your Spouse/Partner will be asked to submit their estimate as well)

Selected Value: 0

Annual Dollar Estimate

Supplemental Assistance, as applicable. Check if you receive:

• Supplemental Security Income
• Food Stamps/ Food Share
• Relief Under s.59.53 (21) Wis Stats
• Medical Assistance
• Relief Funded under Public Assistance

How Many Children in Your Family? *

• We have no children
• One
• Two
• Three
• Four
• More than Four

If separated, with whom are the children living?

• Me
• My Spouse/Partner
• Other family members/others

Phone

Spouse/ Partner Name *

First

Last

I certify that the information provided in this application and the Financial Statement submitted as part of my application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge; *

• Agree

I understand that the Collaborative Foundation may check the accuracy of the information I have provided about my household, assets, and income and that the Collaborative Foundation may close my case at any time upon learning that the information provided is incorrect; *

• Agree

I understand that after my attorney accepts my case, my relationship with my attorney will be governed by the agreement between me and my attorney; *

• Agree

I will permit any attorney, law office staff, or other professional or agency to which this matter is referred by the Collaborative Foundation to respond by phone or in writing to requests made by the Collaborative Foundation for information about my case; *

• Agree

I authorize the Collaborative Foundation of Wisconsin, Inc. (CFW) to disclose  information about me and my family to the appropriate participating professionals involved to review my situation for participation in this program, and referring my case to a collaborative practice team if it is determined that my case is appropriate.

I agree to cooperate with the professionals involved with me after the referral is made. If in the judgement of the professionals involved I am no longer cooperating with the team in its efforts to resolve my case, they may so advise me and the Foundation and services to me will end.

I further understand that CFW and the professionals involved will protect the confidentiality of the information I have given as required by law and will keep secure all the materials and information about my case in their possession.

If I abandon the process, the CFW will destroy the information except for the retention of contact information required to administer my case.

Date *

Type in your full name to certify your application and submit *

First

Last

Submit

The Collaborative Foundation of Wisconsin, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin/ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring/retention/dismissal of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.