Find legal help

When completing court forms on your own isn't enough, professional legal help is available. Connect with lawyers, legal aid organizations, and other resources in your jurisdiction.

When you need legal help

Guided interviews are powerful tools, but they're designed for straightforward situations. You should seek professional legal help when:

• Your case is complex: Multiple legal issues, unusual circumstances, or situations you don't fully understand
• The other party has a lawyer: If you're facing an opponent represented by an attorney, you may need professional help to protect your rights
• Significant stakes are involved: Your home, custody of children, substantial money, or your freedom are at risk
• You need advice: You're unsure about the right course of action, which court to use, or what forms you need
• You're facing an emergency: Domestic violence, threats, or other immediate dangers require urgent legal action
• You need ongoing representation: Multiple filings, hearings, or ongoing court involvement

Types of legal help available

Legal aid organizations

Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford a private attorney. They often handle:

• Family law matters (divorce, custody, abuse)
• Housing and eviction disputes
• Consumer and debt issues
• Benefits and public assistance
• Immigration matters

For most legal aid organizations, the income limit is a percentage of the federal poverty level. Be prepared to provide financial information when you contact them. For example, in Massachusetts most people can get help from legal aid if they earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

Court self-help centers

Many courts have self-help or legal resource centers that provide free information about court procedures, forms, and basic legal information to people representing themselves.

Private attorneys

Private lawyers can provide comprehensive representation and legal advice for any legal matter. Some offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.

Bar associations and lawyer referral services

Most state bar associations provide lawyer referral services to help you find an attorney in your area with experience in your type of case.

When you use a bar referral service, you will be assigned to the "next" attorney who can help with your kind of case. Most states have a small fee for the first hour or half hour that you meet with them. You will pay a regular fee if you decide to hire the attorney to represent you.

Find legal help in your jurisdiction

Select your location to access legal aid resources, legal help triage tools, and other support:

Getting help from a legal aid organization

If you contact a legal aid organization, be prepared to:

• Explain your situation: Briefly describe your legal problem and what outcome you're seeking
• Provide financial information: Legal aid serves low-income individuals; they may ask about your income to determine eligibility
• Share documentation: Have any relevant documents ready (lease agreements, court papers, identification, etc.)
• Ask about their services: Different organizations handle different types of cases—ask if they can help with yours

Court self-help resources

Even if you can't qualify for legal aid, court self-help centers often provide:

• Information about how the court system works
• Explanations of court procedures and deadlines
• Tips on completing court forms
• Referrals to legal aid and other resources

For emergencies

If your physical safety is at risk, call 911 immediately. After ensuring your safety, you can work with law enforcement, victim advocates, and legal aid to pursue legal protections and longer-term solutions.