What “legal aid” means in the US
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), set up by Congress in 1974, funds 129 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations covering every state, DC and the US territories [LSC]. Many help with family law, including divorce — especially where there is domestic violence — but demand is high and each organization sets its own priorities and income limits. LSC-funded programs generally serve households with incomes up to 125% of the federal poverty guidelines [45 CFR 1611.3]; other programs set their own limits. (This is different from the UK, where “legal aid” is state funding for a lawyer.)
How to find free help
- LSC’s “I Need Legal Help” map — enter your address to find the LSC-funded organization for your area [LSC].
- LawHelp.org — state-by-state legal information, free forms, and directories of nonprofit legal aid [LawHelp.org].
- Your court’s self-help center — most state courts publish free divorce forms and instructions.
Court fee waivers
If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can usually ask the judge to waive it with a fee waiver request. The rules and forms vary by state and court [LawHelp.org].
State starter pages
Legal aid for divorce in California
Free legal help, court self-help, residency and fee waivers.
Legal aid for divorce in Texas
Free legal help, court self-help, residency and fee waivers.
Legal aid for divorce in Florida
Free legal help, court self-help, residency and fee waivers.
Legal aid for divorce in New York
Free legal help, court self-help, residency and fee waivers.
Legal aid for divorce in Oklahoma
Free legal help, court self-help, residency and fee waivers.
We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and county.