If you cannot afford a lawyer, you still have options. Free and low-cost legal help exists in every state, though it is limited and usually reserved for certain problems and income levels.
Legal aid organizations
Nonprofit legal aid offices help people with low incomes on civil matters such as housing, benefits, family law and consumer problems. Many receive funding through the federal Legal Services Corporation, which generally limits its funded programs to households at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
Eligibility rules and the types of cases accepted differ by office, so check with your local program.
Other places to look
- State and local bar associations, many of which run lawyer referral services with a low-cost first consultation.
- Law school clinics, where supervised students handle real cases at no charge.
- Court self-help centers, which provide forms and procedural guidance but not legal advice.
- Pro bono programs, where private attorneys volunteer time on selected cases.
- LawHelp.org, a nonprofit directory that links to legal aid in each state.
How to improve your chances of getting help
Legal aid is in high demand, so call early. Have your documents ready: court papers, notices, your lease or contract, and proof of income. Write down a short timeline of events and note any deadlines in the papers you received.
If one office turns you down, ask whether they can refer you elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Does free legal help cover every kind of case?
No. Most programs focus on essential civil needs like housing, family safety and public benefits and often cannot take business or injury cases.
What if I earn too much for legal aid?
Try a bar referral service, a limited-scope attorney, or a court self-help center. Many offer low-cost options for people who earn too much for free help but cannot afford full rates.