Oklahoma Disaster Legal Help (ODLH) is a collaboration between Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma (LASO) and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS). LASO and OILS work together statewide to strengthen Oklahomans against the impacts of disaster legal issues. All services are free of charge to those who are eligible.
Legal issues are very common after disasters, but many people are unable to identify them. ODLH members work to educate the public on legal disaster preparedness and recovery options by passing out information at community outreach events, providing free community presentations, and sharing free downloadable resources.
Legal issues can cause significant delays in the disaster recovery process. ODLH members work closely with case management and other long-term recovery agencies throughout the state to identify and resolve legal barriers to recovery. Issues are often resolved through legal advice, mediation, or direct representation.
Coming Soon!
Disaster legal issues can cover a wide variety of topics and can quickly overwhelm local response capacities. ODLH will soon provide training and case opportunities to make it easier for willing attorneys to help when needed.
Oklahoma Disaster Legal Help assists with issues such as:
Homeownership– Title or Deed issues, repair costs, mechanics liens, special tax considerations, and personal property loss.
Renters Rights– Lease agreements after a disaster, landlord not making repairs, eviction after a disaster.
Replacing Important documents– State Driver’s license or Identification card, Birth and Death Certificates, Social Security Cards, Marriage Licenses, Vehicle Title or Registrations, Banking and Investment Paperwork, Tribal Citizenship cards, and Family law documents like Divorce Decrees, Adoption papers, Child Support agreements, and Child Custody papers.
FEMA Applications and Appeals– When a Federally Declared Disaster strikes and FEMA gets involved, ODLH can help with FEMA applications, appeals and recoupments.
Bankruptcy– Chapter 7, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13
Immigration Issues– Ensuring that you have recovery support after a disaster regardless of your immigration status.
Avoiding Contractor Fraud– Avoiding contractor fraud, scams, and ensuring that home repairs are done.
Wills and Estates– Probates, Loss of family in a disaster, and advance directives like wills and trust.
Tribal Land Issues– Oklahoma Indian Legal Services (OILS) works to ensure that Indian Country real and personal property issues are thoughtfully and competently addressed through probates and the preparation of Wills for enrolled tribal citizens.
Public Benefits– Disaster Food Stamps, Disaster Unemployment, Social Security Disability and Retirement, and Supplemental Security Income.
Insurance– Homeowners Insurance, Rental Insurance, and any other insurance issues you have.
