West Virginia Senior Legal Aid's Intake Process

By Gracie Davis – Deputy Executive Assistant at West Virginia Senior Legal Aid, Inc.

To provide clarity to new callers, this article outlines what the intake process is like with us here at West Virginia Senior Legal Aid, Inc. (WVSLA).

Step 1: Call or Email

You may either call us at (800) 229-5068 or email us at info@seniorlegalaid. If you call, it will go directly to voicemail, and I will call you back as soon as I can. Please provide your name, a call-back number or email, and a brief description of why you are reaching out. You will most likely be communicating with me. My name is T. Gracie Davis, and I am WVSLA's Deputy Executive Assistant.

If you are contacting us on behalf of someone, please provide me with their contact information. To ensure compliance with Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6 regarding Confidentiality of Information, we must directly communicate with the person needing assistance, no matter if you are their Guardian, Conservator, Power of Attorney, etc.

Step 2: Answer the Questionnaire and Requests

I must ask you some preliminary questions to determine your eligibility (e.g., your full name, address, birthdate, etc.). WVSLA only has two requirements: (1) being a WV resident and (2) being 60 years old or older. Additionally, WVSLA only handles civil matters rather than criminal matters.

I understand with all these scams going around that it is frightening to give your information. Rest assured, WVSLA will only contact you via our previously mentioned number or email, and we will protect you and your information.

WVSLA may need certain documents to review to provide you with accurate information. You may send them via fax, email, or mail. To fax us, make sure the fax machine is set to send a fax before entering our hotline number. Otherwise, it will be registered as a call. If you wish to mail, our address is 235 High St, #519, Morgantown, WV 26505. We must be provided with copies rather than original documents. If you need to make a copy, you can schedule an appointment with me for me to make copies for you.

After I ask these questions, you will then be on file and will be able to receive aid more easily. I will update the file with any other questions you may like to ask our attorney as soon as I see the request.

Step 3: Receive Aid

WVSLA currently only has one attorney serving all 55 counties. If you are feeling antsy or it has been a while since you have heard anything, please contact me either via our hotline number or email. I will check in for any updates. WVSLA, of course, appreciates your patience as well as connecting with fellow West Virginians. WVSLA is dedicated to defending seniors' rights.