There are certain types of cases that DRA does not handle, due to limitations of funding, staff resources, potential conflicts, and availability of other resources for assistance with these issues. Exceptions can be made; however, any exceptions must be approved by DRA’s Director of Legal and Advocacy Services.
- Social Security applications
- Food stamp applications/claims
- Criminal proceedings. DRA does not provide representation in criminal cases. However, DRA can provide assistance communicating with the Court, Prosecutor, and/or Public Defender about disability-specific needs and issues of a client in certain cases.
- Divorce, custody, and child support
- Parental abuse/neglect and termination cases. DRA can provide assistance when a parent with a disability is experiencing discrimination in proceedings because of their disability, and in communicating with the court-appointed attorney(s) about disability-specific needs.
- Drafting of wills, trusts, and estate planning
- Workers compensation, issues related to collective bargaining agreements, and unemployment compensation
- Product liability cases
- Bankruptcy matters
- Personal injury cases
- Consumer protection issues
- Tax issues
- Pension and ERISA issues
- Property disputes
- Guardianship proceedings. DRA does not assist in obtaining guardianship of persons with disabilities. DRA can provide representation to clients who are in need of removing, limiting, and/or challenging guardianship and can provide advice to callers about alternatives to guardianship.
- Commitment proceedings