Low-income residents of Michigan are eligible to receive free legal advice from several non-profits operating in different areas of the state. In most instances, applicants must have incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level to be eligible.

Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM)

• Website: www.lsscm.org


• Hotline: 1-734-665-6181 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm) (see page for county-specific phone numbers)


• Legal Areas: Family law, housing, homelessness prevention, public benefits, consumer matters, health care, special legal needs, and older adults.


• Free Advice: LSSCM provides free legal advice and representation in civil matters to low-income individuals, families, and older adults in southern and central Michigan. Clients must have an income level at or below 125% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for services.

Legal Aid and Defender Association (Greater Detroit Area)

• Website: www.ladadetroit.org


• Hotline: 1-877-964-4700 (Mon, Wed, 9am to 11am, 1pm to 3pm)


• Legal Areas: Eviction, homelessness prevention, criminal record expungement, veterans, consumer law, family law, public benefits, employment, and estate planning.


• Free Advice: Free legal services are available to low- and moderate-income residents of the greater Detroit area (Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties) who cannot afford an attorney.

Lakeshore Legal Aid (Southeast Michigan)

• Website: www.lakeshorelegalaid.org


• Hotline: 1-888-783-8190 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, 9am to 5pm; Wed, 9am to 6pm; Fri, 9am to 1pm)


• Legal Areas: Family law, domestic violence, abuse, housing, landlord-tenant matters, consumer law, public benefits, income taxes, individual rights, employment, estates, guardianship, expungement, education, senior services, and LGBTQ rights.


• Free Advice: Free legal services are available to Southeast Michigan residents whose incomes are at or below 125% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines (see table), as well as to older adults and survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.

Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM)

• Website: www.lawestmi.org


• Hotline: 1-616-774-0672 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 12pm, 1pm to 5pm)


• Legal Areas: Family law, housing, public benefits, consumer law, taxes, and individual rights.


• Free Advice: LAWM is able to provide free legal services to Western Michigan residents who live at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. To be eligible for free legal help, applicants must also not have more than $15,000 in countable assets.