Texas lawyers are offering free and low-cost help and advice to victims of Hurricane Rita seeking to solve legal problems resulting from the storms. Volunteer lawyers are providing advice on subjects such as lost legal documents, insurance claims, property, landlord/tenant issues, employment, financial issues, FEMA assistance and more. Individuals with disaster-related legal questions can access free advice by phone, online or in person at limited locations. Low-income people may qualify for free legal services.

Statewide legal assistance resources

• FEMA Legal Disaster Hotline operated by the State Bar of Texas at 800/504-7030 (toll free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A voice mail system is available to receive messages 24 hours every day. Information is available in English and Spanish.
• Online: http://www.texasbar.com.
• Texas Lawyer Referral Service at 800/252-9690 or 877/983-9227 (toll free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Callers receive assistance in finding an attorney based on individual legal needs. Attorneys have agreed to the maximum fee of $20 for a 30-minute initial consultation.
• State Bar Grievance Hotline at 800/932-1900 (toll free). Callers may express concerns about legal representation or solicitation by Texas attorneys.

Houston area assistance resources

• Houston Bar Association (HBA), through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program (HVLP). Call 713-228-0735, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Online: http://www.hvlp.org.
• In person: HVLP legal advice booth in the Disaster Recovery Center , located at 6059 South Loop East in Houston.