Legal problems tend to hit when money is tight: an eviction notice, a denied benefit, a debt collector, a family matter. The good news is that free and low-cost legal help exists in every state. The challenge is knowing where to look, because services are spread across legal aid nonprofits, courts, law schools and bar associations. This guide explains each option and how to get the most from it.
Fastest way to start
- Visit LawHelp.org, choose your state and look for legal aid programs and self-help guides.
- Call 211 and ask for legal aid in your county.
- If a deadline is close, such as a court date, contact the legal aid office or court self-help center right away and say so.
Legal aid organizations
Legal aid programs are nonprofits that provide free civil legal help to people with low incomes. Many receive funding through the federal Legal Services Corporation, which generally serves people whose household income is at or below a set share of the federal poverty guidelines, though some programs help beyond that or have special rules for groups such as older adults or domestic violence survivors.
Legal aid typically handles problems that affect basic needs:
- Evictions, unsafe housing and public housing issues
- Denied or terminated benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid or disability benefits
- Family matters, including protective orders and some custody cases
- Consumer problems such as debt collection, repossession and wage garnishment
- Some employment, education and veterans issues
Demand is high, so offices often have to turn people away or limit help to advice or a brief consultation. Applying early and describing your deadline clearly improves your chances.
Court self-help centers
Many courts run self-help centers or help desks, either in person or online, that explain forms and procedures for tenants, people representing themselves, and others. Staff cannot give legal advice or take your side, but they can show you which forms to file and what to expect. Search your state court system’s website for “self-help”.
Lawyer referral and limited-scope help
- State and local bar associations often run referral services that connect you to a lawyer for a low-cost first consultation. Many also offer reduced-fee programs for people just above legal aid income limits.
- Limited-scope representation means a lawyer handles one part of your case, such as reviewing documents or coaching you for a hearing, so you pay for less time.
- ABA Free Legal Answers is an online service where eligible people can post a civil legal question and receive an answer from a volunteer attorney, in participating states.
Law school clinics and pro bono programs
Many law schools run clinics where supervised students represent clients for free in areas such as housing, immigration, family law and small business. Individual lawyers also take pro bono cases through programs run by courts, bar associations and nonprofits. Contact the clinic or the bar association’s pro bono program to ask how to apply.
Get ready before you call
- Write a short timeline of what happened, with dates.
- Gather every document: notices, letters, leases, contracts, court papers and photos.
- Write down key deadlines and your court date, if you have one.
- Have household income information ready, because eligibility is usually income-based.
- Keep your questions short and specific, such as “Can this notice be challenged?” and “What should I bring to the hearing?”
Beware of fake legal services
Desperate situations attract scammers. Be careful with anyone who guarantees a result, asks for large upfront fees, or offers to help with immigration or benefits paperwork without being a licensed attorney or an accredited representative. In many communities, people calling themselves “notarios” or “consultants” are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice. Before paying, check that a lawyer is licensed through your state bar, and see our guide to avoiding assistance scams.
Related help
If your legal problem involves housing, start with our guide to emergency rent help and eviction. If a benefit was denied, see our guides to SNAP and Medicaid and CHIP, which explain appeals. This page gives general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak to a qualified attorney.