Minnesota Legal Services Coalition

MINNESOTA LEGAL SERVICES COALITION COMMUNITY EDUCATION BOOKLETS - Winter 2009

The Minnesota Legal Services Coalition (MLSC) produces community education booklets for low-income and elderly Minnesotans.  A brief summary of each booklet is contained below.

Individual copies of these booklets are distributed statewide to low-income persons free of charge through their local legal services office.  All other persons and/or organizations should contact the MLSC directly for cost information.  Discounts are available on bulk orders.

Dealing with Debt: Your Rights and Responsibilities in Minnesota - This booklet provides information and forms to help families make good financial and legal decisions when dealing with debt, debt collectors, and credit reporting agencies. Methods creditors use to collect debts such as collection agencies and lawsuits are also discussed in this booklet.

Basics About Child Support -  A brief guide describing how child support is set, how it can be established without an attorney and how to work with the child support office. 

Getting a Divorce:  A Basic Guide to Minnesota Law - Every year thousands of low-income persons get divorced in this state.  For women especially, the results can be disastrous if the parties do not know their legal rights.  This booklet covers rights both before and after divorce, how a divorce proceeding works, and important issues like abuse, custody and child support. 

Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders - This booklet describes legal options for dealing with abuse and harassment.  It describes Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders and criminal charges.  It includes sample forms and resources for battered women and children. 

A Guide to Public Housing in Minnesota - This booklet was written to help public housing applicants and tenants understand their legal rights.  It provides general information regarding the public housing programs sponsored by HUD.  

Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents - This booklet provides basic information and general rules about the rights and responsibilities of unmarried parents. 

Tenants' Rights in Minnesota - The rights of low income tenants are frequently disregarded by landlords who are uneducated about the law or who simply choose to ignore those rights.  The problem is exacerbated by the fact that most tenants themselves are generally unaware of their rights.  This booklet describes, in some detail, the rights and responsibilities of the tenant.  It includes such topics as repair problems, rent increases, evictions, and security deposits.