Yap
The Yap Office of the Micronesian Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) is a law office that provides legal assistance to eligible people of Yap in the area of civil law (as opposed to criminal law). Micronesian Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) is a non-profit corporation established in 1970 to provide low income persons in Micronesia with free legal assistance in civil matters. At MLSC, we believe in a Micronesia where all people are treated fairly and with respect; where government and institutions are accountable even to the most vulnerable among us; where those who need legal services the most get the highest quality assistance to better their lives; where justice and fairness for all, even the poor, is the standard not only in our courts but in every community; and where communities thrive under democratic principles.Â
How-To Guides and Resources
The legal information we provide here is general information to help you decide how to handle legal issues. It is not advice about what you should or should not do. For advice, or for more legal help, please contact your local MLSC office and request legal assistance.
Caution! Laws are different in different locations. The information here applies only in this jurisdiction. Do not use the information here for legal issues in other jurisdictions.
Other Services and Resources
Here are some other agencies and service providers we commonly refer people to.
- Yap State Court (telephone no. (691) 350-2161
- FSM Public Defender (telephone no. (691) 350-2163
- Office of the Attorney General (telephone no. (691) 350-2105
- FSM Anti-Trafficking Services Division, Yap Office (691) 350-2801
Get In Touch
| Location | The Yap office is located on the road to Nimar after the Yap Pacific Resort in Colonia. P. O. Box 206 Colonia, Yap FM 96943 |
| Office Hours / Intake Times | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mondays to Fridays (Visit in person or call by phone) Closed on weekends and holidays |
| Languages spoken by staff | Yapese Outer Island Languages: Ulithian, Woeaian, Satawalese English |
| Phone Number | (691) 350-2193 |
| Email address | yap@mlscnet.org |
Our Priorities and Legal Services
Support for Families
The cohesiveness of the family is fundamental to our way of life. It is also the foundation of the stability of our society. We recognize that all families are vulnerable to problems requiring legal assistance for their resolution, and we place a high priority on cases in which legal assistance supports the integrity, safety, and well-being of the family.
Preserving the Home
Preservation of the home is essential to the well-being of every person. Enabling families to avoid loss of their home is a priority. Of equal importance is the assurance that families can be safe and secure at home. We also respond to the needs of individuals and families in natural disasters including typhoons.
Delivery of Legal Services
we prioritize trying new ways to increase our reach, our availability, our effectiveness, and our efficiencies, including using available technologies, and providing legal workshops, community education presentations, legal information material, videos, and outreach. We also prioritize activities designed to involve the community in increasing access to justice, as well as working with groups, institutions, and agencies to increase access justice for all. Â
Maintaining Economic Stability
Families and individuals must be economically viable in order to survive. We give a high priority to cases in which the family’s source of income is at risk. Other legal matters, including consumer issues, may threaten basic economic stability and merit high priority. We also place a priority on cases involving parental responsibility for the support of their children.
Safety, Stability, and Health
Domestic violence threatens the security and stability of families at all economic and social levels, and we stand with individuals and families seeking to escape from physical, financial, and emotional abuse. Representation in cases involving access to health care may also be essential to preserve the security and stability of families, and are accorded an appropriate priority.
Populations with Special Vulnerabilities
We seek to reach the elderly, the poorest of the poor, those who are less capable of fending for themselves by reason of difference in language, cultural and educational backgrounds, disability, or other special problems of access to legal assistance or special legal needs.
Client Eligibility
Individuals and families may be eligible for free legal assistance from MLSC if their household income is below 125% (or 200% in some circumstances) of the US Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii and their assets do not exceed specified amounts. Groups, associations, and corporations may also be eligible for free legal assistance from MLSC if they lack funds to retain private counsel.
You can request legal assistance by contacting the office in person, by phone, email, or by completing an online application.Â
Due to limited resources, we cannot take all cases, even though you may be eligible for our services.
