Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help

You don't have to handle a legal problem alone. Free and low-cost help exists in every state, although availability and income limits vary. Here is where to start.

Free legal aid and pro bono lawyers

• USAGov: Find affordable legal aidThe US government's list of programs that offer free legal advice or help finding a free or low-cost attorney.
• Legal Services Corporation (LSC)Find an LSC-funded legal aid organization near you. Services are for people with low incomes.
• LawHelp.orgFree legal aid listings and self-help information, organized by state.
• ABA Free Legal AnswersEligible people with low incomes can post a civil legal question online for a volunteer lawyer to answer. Not for criminal matters.
• Law Help InteractiveFree guided interviews that help you fill out certain legal forms.

Your state court's self-help center

Most state court systems have self-help resources for people without a lawyer: forms, instructions and sometimes in-person or phone help. Go to your state judiciary's official website (usually ending in .gov or a state domain such as .us) and look for “Self-Help,” “Help Center” or “Forms.”

Housing and tenant problems

USAGov's tenant rights page explains how to find your state's tenant information and how to file a complaint against a landlord. If you have received eviction papers, contact legal aid right away; court deadlines can be short.

Consumer problems

Complain to the company first, then escalate: the CFPB for financial products, ReportFraud.ftc.gov for scams and fraud, and your state consumer protection office.

Employment problems

• US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour DivisionComplaints about unpaid wages, overtime and other federal wage and hour laws. Complaints are confidential.
• US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)Charges of job discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability or genetic information. There are time limits for filing.

Many states also have their own labor department and civil rights agency, which may cover more workers or more types of problems than federal law.

Choosing a private lawyer

If you don't qualify for legal aid, your state or local bar association may run a lawyer referral service. Ask about fees up front, including whether the first consultation is free, and get the fee agreement in writing.