Forsyth County families seeking to protect their estates and health decisions have a new resource: a free legal‑document clinic organized by Senior Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Wake Forest University School of Law. Applications are accepted through Nov. 13, and successful participants will meet a volunteer attorney to draft their documents before signing them at a scheduled appointment on Nov. 20.
How to Register
Interested residents must complete an online intake through Legal Aid’s JusticeHub portal (legalaidnc.org/justicehub) or call the Legal Aid office at 919‑861‑2095. The portal guides applicants through a screening questionnaire, collects necessary information and tracks the status of each application. While registration does not automatically create an attorney‑client relationship, Legal Aid will review each submission for eligibility and potential conflicts before confirming a slot.
Eligibility and Priorities
The clinic follows Legal Aid’s limited‑income guidelines. Priority is given to homeowners and individuals age 60 or older, though meeting these criteria does not guarantee an appointment. Applicants who do not meet the priority criteria may still be considered if capacity allows.
What Services Are Offered
- Last‑will‑and‑testament preparation
- Living will (advance health directive) drafting
- Health‑care power of attorney
- Financial power of attorney
- Any combination of the above documents
Volunteers will work one‑on‑one with participants to tailor each document to the applicant’s personal situation. The clinic is not a walk‑in signing event; all paperwork must be prepared in advance, and signing will occur at a scheduled appointment on Nov. 20.
Location and Timing
The signing appointments will be held in the Gallery Theater, Room 211, at the Generations Center, 114 W. 30th St., Winston‑Salem. The clinic’s preparation phase runs from the registration deadline on Nov. 13 through the week of Nov. 20, giving volunteers ample time to review and finalize each document.
Why This Matters
Access to affordable legal assistance remains a critical need for many North Carolina families, especially seniors and low‑income homeowners. By offering free, professional guidance on essential estate‑planning documents, the clinic helps residents safeguard their wishes, avoid costly probate, and ensure that health‑care decisions are respected.
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, registration, or the clinic’s schedule, call Legal Aid of North Carolina at 919‑861‑2095 or email [email protected]. Additional resources and the online intake portal are available at legalaidnc.org/justicehub.
This initiative reflects the ongoing partnership between community organizations, legal professionals and local seniors to strengthen family stability and uphold individual liberty through informed, proactive planning.
Original reporting: Winston-Salem Chronicle — read the source article.
