Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 27, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
Can't afford a lawyer but have a real legal problem? Free and low-cost legal help exists in every state. Income limits and waitlists vary, but here's where to start.
Every state has nonprofit legal aid offices funded by the federal Legal Services Corporation. They take civil cases (housing, family, public benefits) for clients who meet income limits. Find your local office at lsc.gov.
Most law schools run clinics where supervised students handle real cases free or at low cost. Common areas: immigration, eviction defense, consumer rights, family law, expungement. Quality is often excellent.
State and county bar associations connect you to a panel lawyer for a low-cost first consultation, often $25-$50. Some also run reduced-fee panels for low-income clients.
Many private lawyers take a few free cases a year through local bar programs. State pro bono coordinators match qualifying clients with volunteer lawyers for specific case types.
Many courts have self-help centers and free fillable forms for divorce, custody, name change, and small claims. Court staff can't give legal advice but can answer procedural questions.
More on this topic: the Going to Court hub
NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.