Ensuring all Iowans have access to justice

Things were not good in 'Angie's” marriage to 'Jack”. He was controlling and occasionally violent. It got much worse, however, after Jack became addicted to methamphetamines. Angie was afraid for their children and realized it was time to seek safety. Iowa's court system held the key to help her address the crisis in their lives.

Unlike low-income individuals charged with a crime, people facing critical civil legal problems such as protection orders, custody, eviction, foreclosures, utility shut-offs and consumer matters are not entitled to representation by a court-appointed attorney.

Iowa Legal Aid, a not-for-profit organization, helps low-income families into and through the court system. This access to the courts for vulnerable Iowans is at risk.

The most recent census data indicates that almost 500,000 Iowans are living in poverty, a 39 percent increase from the 2000 census. As a result, the demand for Iowa Legal Aid's services has increased as well.

Funding from many of Iowa Legal Aid's major sources has been significantly reduced over the past several years. Reduced funding and staff means fewer low income people can be helped. Iowa Legal Aid closed 26,653 cases in 2010, serving an estimated 64,500 Iowans, 27,700 of whom were children. Iowa Legal Aid closed 18,127 cases in 2013, a reduction of 32 percent in the number of households served because of reduced staff.

The largest portion of Iowa Legal Aid's casework involves domestic violence. Beyond the consequences that domestic abuse has on family members, there are significant societal costs, too.

The second largest portion of Iowa Legal Aid's work is in the area of housing. A child can lose four to six months of academic progress with each move to a new school. Preventing homelessness helps children have a better chance at a successful future.

Low-wage earners who face illegal garnishment of their income and bank accounts are unable to pay rent or mortgages, car payments and other bills. Iowa Legal Aid helps these clients retain their wages so they can focus on their work and have transportation to get to work.

Without the help of Iowa Legal Aid, thousands of low-income people, like Angie and her children, will go unserved. Iowa Legal Aid is partnering with many organizations and groups throughout the state to ensure that low-income Iowans can actually obtain access to our system of justice.

All Iowans are encouraged to stand up for this fundamental right. For further information visit IowaLegalAidFoundation.org.

' Mark Zaiger is Senior Vice President of Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. and a board member of Iowa Legal Aid. Comments: mlz@shuttleworthlaw.com