Who We Are

The Allegan County Legal Assistance Center (ACLAC) is a grant- and donation-funded initiative specifically targeting those Allegan County residents needing assistance with the legal process, but who cannot afford an attorney. The main goal of the Center is to minimize the impact on justice involving children, victims of crime, and people with disabilities caused by inadequate paperwork, untimely filings, or confusion about service and notice requirements.

By providing legal assistance to self-represented litigants to facilitate access to the court system, the Center affords the residents of Allegan County, specifically targeting low-income families, access to justice in civil proceedings including divorce, child custody, parenting time, personal protection orders, landlord-tenant disputes, guardianships, and many other non-criminal matters. ACLAC began welcoming clients on July 30, 2012.

ACLAC Board

The Allegan County Legal Assistance Center is overseen by a board consisting of the following individuals:

• John Van Elk, JD, President
• Bart Shaw
• Sandra Kern
• Hon. Margaret Zuzich Bakker
• Daniel Borton, JD
• Frank Baker
• Jennifer Brink, JD
• Alison Sackley
• Jenann Pearson

Our Funding

Donate to the Allegan County LAC via PaypalACLAC is a grant- and donation-funded organization, we appreciate any support for our efforts by members of the community. We welcome your donations and are happy to mail a donation receipt to everyone who contributes.

You can donate directly to ACLAC via PayPal.

Volunteers

Under the direction of the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center’s Navigator/Coordinator, volunteers are responsible for providing legal information to citizens of Allegan County who are representing themselves in a civil action. The Center does not provide assistance with criminal matters and the volunteers will not give legal advice to anyone. To volunteer with ACLAC, please consult the County's Volunteer Opportunities page.