(STUART, Fla.) – Florida Rural Legal Services, (FRLS) a non-profit law firm, has partnered with the Legal Aid Society of the Martin County Bar Association, Inc. (LASMCBA) to enhance access to free legal aid for qualified low-income residents of Martin County. This partnership ensures that disadvantaged individuals in the area receive vital legal assistance for a range of issues, including family law, elder abuse protection, and bankruptcy support.
Under the agreement, FRLS will assign a dedicated staff attorney to its Stuart office to exclusively serve Martin County residents who meet income requirements established by the government to qualify for legal aid. FRLS will also handle all client intake, analysis, and eligibility determinations. Cases that qualify for pro bono representation will be referred to members of the Martin County Bar Association, who volunteer their time to help those who otherwise could not afford legal representation.
Family-related cases continue to drive the demand for legal services in Martin County. In 2024, these cases accounted for 35.8 percent of FRLS' caseload in the county, with divorce, paternity, and legal protections for victims of domestic violence being the most common needs. Other critical services include protecting elderly residents from abuse, custody cases involving family violence, and securing orders of protection.
Martin County, located in southeastern Florida, has a population of 158,431 and a median age of 53.2, according to the 2020 census.
“This partnership between FRLS and LASMCBA allows us to continue to serve vulnerable residents in Martin County,” said Denise Badaracco, director of marketing and communications for FRLS. “By combining resources, we can ensure that families and individuals in need have access to justice.”
About FRLS:
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice.