Dorcas International – Legal Services

Legal Aid · Rhode Island · Free

Immigration and family legal services for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrant fathers in Rhode Island. Attorneys at the Elmwood Avenue office in Providence assist with status applications, family reunification, and related family court matters. Walk-ins and appointments welcome during business hours. Bring photo ID, passports or immigration documents, court notices, and any family-related paperwork to your intake.

Contact & Details

Address: 645 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907

Phone: 401-784-8600

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

About Legal Aid for Fathers

Legal aid in the United States is delivered through a network of nonprofit organizations, law school clinics, pro bono attorney programs, and court-based self-help centers. Most legal aid organizations serve people with incomes at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though some programs have higher thresholds for certain case types. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs exist in every state and handle family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases. Law schools often run clinics where supervised students provide free representation. Bar associations coordinate volunteer attorneys through Modest Means and pro bono panels. For fathers specifically, the most common legal aid needs are custody, child support modifications, paternity establishment, and protective order responses — all areas most legal aid programs handle.

Legal Aid in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

More Legal Aid in Rhode Island

  • RI Law Help — Online legal information and self-help resources for Rhode Island residents covering family law, housing, benefits, consumer issues, and mor
  • RI Bar Volunteer Lawyer Program — Pro bono attorney services for qualifying low-income Rhode Island residents, including fathers needing help with custody, visitation, divorc
  • Disability Rights Rhode Island — Legal advocacy for Rhode Island residents with disabilities, including fathers navigating custody, benefits, housing, employment, or special
  • ACLU of Rhode Island — Civil liberties legal advocacy and know-your-rights resources for Rhode Island residents, including fathers facing rights violations by stat
  • Providence Legal Clinic — Walk-in legal clinics for Providence residents on civil matters including family, housing, consumer, and benefits issues. Volunteer attorney

Legal Aid — Common Questions

How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Most Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs serve households at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility also depends on case type — family law, housing, and public benefits are universally covered; other areas vary. Call your state's legal aid intake line to confirm.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid but can't afford a private lawyer?
Look for 'Modest Means' panels through your state bar association — they connect middle-income clients with lawyers at reduced rates. Law school clinics also provide free representation in specific case types. Many attorneys will handle a limited scope representation (one motion, one hearing) for a flat fee.
Can legal aid represent me in a custody case?
Yes, most LSC programs handle custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and protective order cases. They typically prioritize cases involving abuse, dependent children, or urgent risk. Simple uncontested matters may be referred to self-help centers instead.
How long does legal aid intake take?
Same-day phone intake for simple matters; 1–2 weeks for full assessment and case assignment. Walk-in clinics and advice-only sessions are faster. Bring government ID, proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters), any court papers you've received, and a summary of your situation.