Free Legal Aid Resources In Austin, Texas

‍The legal system is complex, especially for people who are uneducated or have a low income. Legal issues can be extremely challenging to navigate without the help of an attorney, and unfortunately not everyone has the resources to hire one. Fortunately, there are many free legal aid resources in Austin that provide assistance to those who qualify. These services range from information about your rights as a tenant or homeowner to advice regarding child custody and other family law matters. If you need affordable legal assistance in the area of housing, employment, domestic violence, divorce, or civic legal rights, check out these helpful resources.

Legal Aid Services of Austin

Legal Aid Services of Austin is a non-profit law firm dedicated to serving low-income Central Texas residents. The organization provides legal assistance in a wide variety of civil legal matters such as family law, immigration, consumer/debt, health/safety, and public benefits. The organization also conducts legal education and outreach to help Texans better understand and navigate the legal system. Legal Aid Services of Austin serves approximately 10,000 people every year. The organization is a federally funded Legal Services Corporation program.

Central Texas Legal Aid

Central Texas Legal Aid (CTLA) provides legal services to low-income people in the Austin area. While the organization primarily serves the elderly, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and families with children, CTLA can also help low-income people in all of the following situations: eviction, foreclosure, utility shut-off, child support, and child custody/support/visitation. CTLA also provides Community Legal Clinics throughout the year that offer legal advice, assistance completing legal forms, and referrals to other organizations that may be able to help. The Clinics accept walk-ins and appointments, and no income or asset information is required.

Fair Housing Council of Austin

The Fair Housing Council of Austin (FHCA) provides free legal advice and assistance to people who believe they were victims of housing discrimination. The organization represents clients in administrative complaints against landlords and in federal court lawsuits, and it also assists people in filing their own lawsuits. FHCA also works with landlords to resolve complaints and avoid litigation, and it provides training to landlords and agents on the requirements of state and federal anti-discrimination laws. 

Domestic Violence Shelter of Central Texas

The Domestic Violence Shelter of Central Texas provides legal assistance to people who are survivors of domestic violence and who have legal issues related to their abuse. The organization can help with issues such as family law, immigration, health care, housing, and public benefits. The Domestic Violence Shelter of Central Texas can provide assistance in person at its office in Austin or via phone and video calls, though in-person assistance is limited to domestic violence survivors and their children. 

Mutual Assistance Network

The Mutual Assistance Network is a referral service that connects those in need of legal services with attorneys who can represent them at a reduced rate. If you need legal assistance with an eviction or a child custody matter, you can submit an online request for assistance. The network has thousands of attorneys around the country who have agreed to provide reduced-rate services to low-income people. You do not need to be a resident of Austin to use the network. 

Austin Tenants' Council

The Austin Tenants' Council provides information and assistance to Austin tenants and homeowners. The Council's legal assistance program provides information about tenants' and homeowners' rights and can make referrals to attorneys who will provide advice through a pro bono program. 

Volunteer Lawyer Network

The Volunteer Lawyer Network (VLN) provides civil legal services to low-income people in Central Texas. VLN attorneys can assist with issues such as family law, housing, public benefits, disability, and debt/bankruptcy. The organization also provides legal advice and information to people who are not low-income but live in Texas. 

Conclusion

Legal issues can be incredibly challenging to navigate without the help of a lawyer. Fortunately, there are many free legal aid resources in Austin, Texas, that offer assistance to those who qualify. These services range from information about your rights as a tenant or homeowner to advice regarding child custody and other family law matters. If you need affordable legal assistance in the area of housing, employment, domestic violence, divorce, or civic legal rights, check out these helpful resources.