ST. LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - Legal advocates say they're starting to see an increase in cases related to the coronavirus pandemic.
At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, family law cases related to domestic violence are rising. "There could be no worse circumstance than sheltering in place with an abuser," says Dan Glazier, Executive Director and General Counsel, "and I think we are seeing the results of that." Glazier says says that includes seeking orders of protection as well as child custody and support issues. The agency provides free legal services to clients in nearly two dozen counties.
Glazier tells KMOX they're also starting to see an increase in housing cases related to evictions. He expects those to continue to rise. He adds many of their clients also need help obtaining public benefits for food and health care.
One area they have not seen as many cases as they expected to -- employment benefit issues stemming from layoffs or dismissals.
KMOX News took a look at the potential impact of the pandemic on the legal system in May and June. You can find those reports here: Courts face mounting backlogs