Handoff

Find a lawyer or free legal help

This is the point where we stop and a licensed professional starts. Below are the realistic routes to legal help. Bring your case packet with you. An organized hour is worth several unorganized ones.

Organizations you can call

Call any of these and ask. Do not rule yourself out based on an eligibility line. Providers are the final word.

Legal Services NYC

New York City

Eligibility: Low-income residents of New York City

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

917-661-4500

Checked 2026-09-04 (source)

Family Legal Care

New York State

Eligibility: Not restricted on the source listing

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

212-343-1122

Checked 2026-09-04 (source)

New York State Child Support Helpline

New York State

Eligibility: Not restricted on the source listing

Hours: Not listed on the source

1-888-208-4485

Checked 2026-09-04 (source)

Directories and referral services

LawHelpNY

A directory of free legal-aid providers across New York State, searchable by county and problem type.

lawhelpny.org

NY Courts CourtHelp

The New York court system's own guidance for people without lawyers, including forms, court locations, and Help Centers inside the courthouses.

nycourts.gov/courthelp

The Legal Aid Society

Free civil legal services in New York City, including family law, for people who meet income eligibility.

legalaidnyc.org

New York City Bar Legal Referral Service

Connects you with a licensed attorney in the right practice area, typically with a low-cost initial consultation.

nycbar.org/get-legal-help

Outside New York

The national directory at LawHelp.org lists legal-aid providers by state, and your state or county bar association runs its own referral service.

lawhelp.org

Before you call

Have your timeline and document index in front of you.
Know your court, county, and case number if you have one.
Write your questions down in advance. The items your packet marked as needing an attorney are a good start.
Ask whether limited-scope help is available if full representation is out of reach.
Apply to more than one legal-aid provider. Capacity is limited everywhere.

These are public resources, listed for your convenience. Jethro Justice does not endorse, supervise, or take responsibility for any provider listed here, receives nothing for listing them, and is not a party to any relationship you form with them. We provide legal information and education, not legal advice or representation.

Intake coordinator or referring organization? See how to refer to Jethro Justice.