Facing a potential car repossession is never a pleasant prospect, and getting competent advice from someone who understands the law can be difficult, especially if you're just relying on a lay person's opinion. If you need free legal advice in Texas, you may be able to obtain assistance from a variety of sources. However, many free legal services providers only give free assistance to those who meet specific income guidelines, so free legal services may not be available to you.
Car Repossessions
When you buy a car in Texas using an automobile loan, the lender maintains the right to repossess the car if you ever default on your loan. However, the lender has to comply with specific state laws, such the requirement that it indicates its property interest in your car by listing it on the title. If you fall behind on payments, your lender may repossess your car, though you may have legal options available to you.
Legal Aid Organizations
There are a variety of legal aid organizations in Texas that provide free legal assistance for people who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. For example, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. provides free legal aid services to residents in 68 Texas counties. The organization provides assistance in a variety of practice areas, including consumer issues that include repossessions and unfair or predatory banking or lending practices.
Attorneys
Some attorneys also offer free legal advice and may be able to help you with your car repossession problem.The State Bar of Texas reports that the organization has adopted policy that establishes an aspirational goal for lawyers in the state of providing 50 hours per year of pro bono services to the public. These State Bar of Texas also reports that most communities in the state have pro bono coordination projects. You can contact your state or local bar association to find the pro bono project in your area.
State Agencies
If you're facing a car repossession and your creditors are harassing you, threatening you or taking potentially illegal actions, can contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division if you want to file a complaint or suspect a lender is acting illegally.
Texas Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
1-800-621-0508
www.oag.state.tx.us
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