If You Need to Hire a Lawyer

Legal representation means a licensed attorney works for you in a legal case. Lawyers can:

• Give opinions and advice
• Write legal documents
• Speak for you in court or negotiations
• Protect your rights in legal actions

For more details about how to hire an attorney, please visit the CancerFinances.org Finding Legal Assistance module.

If You Have a Civil Legal Matter

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for help from your local legal aid office. They often handle:

• Housing (renters): evictions, problems getting your deposit back, unfair lockouts, unsafe living conditions, issues with Section 8 or subsidized housing, discrimination, and lease disputes
• Housing (homeowners): foreclosure or property tax disputes
• Family law: divorce, child support, spousal support, custody, guardianship, or protection in cases of abuse
• Immigration: Green Cards, citizenship, asylum, deportation defense, family-based immigration, DACA (for Dreamers), and support for victims of violence or trafficking

To find legal aid representation, visit LawHelp.org.

If You Have a Criminal Case

If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for a public defender. Contact your local court clerk (see your court notices for details) or visit FindLaw’s Public Defender Directory.

If You Need a Lawyer but Do Not Qualify for Legal Aid

Most state and local bar associations offer lawyer referral services. These programs:

• Connect you with lawyers in specific areas of law
• Sometimes provide free or low-cost first consultations
• May give referrals for people with limited incomes

To find your local referral service, use the American Bar Association’s Directories and Lawyer Finders resource.

Other Places to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help

• LawHelp.org: Find legal aid offices, self-help information, and online legal forms.
• Medical-Legal Partnerships: Some hospitals partner with lawyers to help patients with legal needs.
• Law School Clinics: Some law schools offer free clinics where students (supervised by lawyers) help community members.
• Prepaid Legal Services: Offered through some employers, unions, credit unions, or banks. Be cautious of scams.

If You Need Financial Help or Affordable Housing

For rental assistance and affordable housing support, call 211 or contact your local housing authority. See the Housing Rights & Financial Help module at CancerFinances.org.

For financial assistance, visit the Financial Assistance Resources module at CancerFinances.org. You can search by category (food, utilities, prescriptions, etc.) to find programs that match your needs.  Be creative – even if the first category you search doesn’t work, you may qualify for other support that lets you save money for what you need most.