Q: I am being sued for an over the top amount in Virginia for “defamation” and I don’t live there. Is there a way to change
*change that? Also, how do I access a free defense lawyer?
A: Being sued as an out-of-state defendant can present defenses and challenges. Unfortunately, you are not likely to find a free defense lawyer to assist you in a civil claim for defamation. The first thing you should do is find out if you have insurance coverage for this type of claim. You may be covered under a homeowners or umbrella policy. If so, they will cover your defense, but you have a duty to tender the claim to them ASAP. You don't have much time to act. If you do nothing, you will likely be found in default.
A: You could check with legal aid and pro bono attorneys, but many such offices are geared toward immigration law, criminal law, family law, divorce, landlord-tenant, and matters that often involve financial distress. Good luck
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
