Free Legal Aid in Delaware(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Delaware's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Delaware through Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) (call 1-302-575-0660) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income, disabled, and elderly Delawareans. CLASI handles housing, family law, benefits, employment, and disability rights. The Delaware State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can also connect you with affordable attorneys. Income must generally be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level for most legal aid programs.
Delaware Legal Aid Organization
Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI)
Website: declasi.org
Phone: 1-302-575-0660
Statewide civil legal services for low-income, disabled, and elderly Delawareans. CLASI handles housing, family law, benefits, employment, and disability rights.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Delaware State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/delaware-- directory of free legal resources and self-help materials
Income Eligibility
Threshold: 125% of Federal Poverty Level
For a single person, this is approximately $19,088/year (2026). Some programs may accept up to 200% FPL for certain case types like domestic violence or veterans' issues.
Types of Legal Issues Covered
- ✓Housing & eviction defense
- ✓Family law (custody, divorce, protection orders)
- ✓Public benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- ✓Consumer & debt issues
- ✓Expungement & record clearing
- ✓Employment disputes
- ✓Immigration (limited)
Notable Legal Aid Organizations
Statewide civil legal services for low-income, disabled, and elderly Delawareans
Pro bono civil legal services for low-income residents
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with expungement, pardon applications, and other reentry barriers in Delaware
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement assistance for eligible individuals under Delaware's expanded expungement eligibility
Law School Clinics
Civil law, veterans law, and environmental/energy clinics
Pro Bono Programs
Matches low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys for free legal representation
Public Defender System
Statewide
Delaware has a statewide Office of the Public Defender providing criminal defense services.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI)
Call 1-302-575-0660 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.
- 2
Complete intake screening
Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.
- 3
Case assignment
If eligible, you will be assigned an attorney or referred to a volunteer lawyers program, law school clinic, or other appropriate resource.
- 4
Receive legal help
Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.
Related Delaware Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Delaware?
- Contact Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) at 1-302-575-0660 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/delaware for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Delaware State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-302-658-5279 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Delaware?
- Most legal aid programs in Delaware require income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $19,088/year for a single person in 2026). Some programs accept higher incomes for certain case types like domestic violence, veterans' issues, or disaster relief.
- Can I get free help with expungement in Delaware?
- Yes. CLASI Expungement Project provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Delaware have a public defender I can use?
- If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Delaware has a statewide Office of the Public Defender providing criminal defense services. Contact the court clerk in your jurisdiction to request a public defender. Note: public defenders handle criminal cases only, not civil matters.
Take Action -- Direct Links
- Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-302-575-0660 for free civil legal assistance.
- Delaware LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Delaware residents.
- Delaware State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Find an attorney through the state bar's referral service.
- ABA Free Legal Answers
Get free answers to civil legal questions from volunteer attorneys online.
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