Medical-Legal Partnership

317.880.0000

Eskenazi Health physicians, nurses and social workers can incorporate legal services into a patient’s overall treatment plan. By addressing the underlying social factors that many patients face, Eskenazi Health Medical-Legal Partnership contributes to improved health outcomes. After receiving a referral to the Medical-Legal Partnership, patients can meet with an attorney, certified legal intern or paralegal to receive appropriate advice or representation.

Medical-Legal Partnership began in 2008 and has processed thousands of referrals for legal services. Partner organizations that provide free legal services include Indiana Legal Services, Faegre Drinker, Eli Lilly, Joseph Maley Foundation and Taft Stettinius & Hollister.

Patients interested in civil Medical-Legal Partnership services are asked to talk with their nurse, physician or social worker at an Eskenazi Health Center or Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center location.

Medical-Legal Partnership offers assistance with:

Housing
Consumer rights
Immigration
Family and stability
Government benefits
Education law
Decision-making
Gender marker changes/name changes
Expungement (setting aside a criminal conviction)

Specialty Services
Housing Rights & Eviction Helpline
Videos

The program also assists with services such as:

Guardianship of incapacitated adults seen at the Center for Youth & Adults with Conditions of Childhood (CYACC) when a family member or friend is available to become the guardian
Advanced care and end-of-life planning services for patients in Eskenazi Health Oncology and preparation of advanced planning documents at an annual wills clinic held each summer for all Eskenazi Health patients
Legal guidance related to domestic and sexual assault concerns for patients seen in the Eskenazi Health Center of Hope (supported by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute STOP Program)

Medical-Legal Partnership does not assist with divorce proceedings, bankruptcy, criminal defense or personal injury matters.

Eskenazi Health patients are invited to call the Housing Rights & Eviction Helpline at 317.536.1387 with questions and concerns related to the apartment, townhouse or home they rent. The service is a partnership with Indiana Legal Services. Patients can call the hotline and discuss any of the following areas of concern:

EVICTIONS

Non-payment of rent – Eligibility for rental assistance or for protection under federal or state laws which prohibit evictions
Lease violation – Initiation of communications with landlord to establish a payment plan or determine what actions are needed to correct the lease violation(s)
Federal-subsidized housing – Education on additional steps a landlord must take prior to eviction to ensure certain rights of the tenant are preserved

CONDITIONS IN THE HOME AFFECTING HEALTH

Assistance obtaining action from the court and local board of health regarding mold, no heat or air conditioning, lock-outs, etc. to force the landlord to make necessary and immediate repairs
If conditions require immediate move out, assistance with facilitating that process with the landlord

TERMINATION OF SECTION 8 BENEFITS OR HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER

Investigation of what defenses may be available to prevent termination on a case-by-case basis

RIGHTS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME

Special protections such as having locks changed and/or terminating a lease early without penalty, applicable for some victims of crime, such as domestic violence

DAMAGES HEARINGS AND SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURNS

Advisement on recovery of security deposits if it is illegally withheld by a landlord

The helpline is open for calls on Tuesdays from 9 – 11 a.m., Wednesdays from 2 – 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 – 11 a.m.

Understanding Your Lease Agreement

For most rental properties, tenants will be asked to sign a lease or an agreement between themselves and a landlord. Maybe you have signed a similar agreement. But, did you fully understand the terms of the lease before signing it? It is important to fully read and understand your lease so you know what to expect and what is expected of you.

Housing Discrimination

Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities are the cornerstones of our nation’s federal housing policy. Housing providers who refuse to rent or sell homes to people based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability are in violation of federal law. Learn more about what rights are protected under the Fair Housing Act and what to do if you feel your rights have been violated.

How to Protect Yourself from Eviction

Has your landlord threatened to evict you due to non-payment of rent or a lease violation? Learn more about the four steps you can take to protect yourself and potentially avoid eviction.

Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

Fair housing laws require applicants and residents with disabilities be provided with “reasonable accommodations” as needed, in order for them to have an opportunity for full use and enjoyment of their housing. Learn more about what reasonable accommodations and modifications are and how to qualify.

Your Right to Safe and Clean Housing

In Indiana, landlords are required to provide rental units that are safe and clean and comply with all building and health codes. Learn more about your rights to safe and clean housing and what to expect from a landlord and what responsibilities you have as a renter.