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Free Legal Aid in Georgia(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services

Georgia's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Georgia Legal Services Program 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 Georgia through Georgia Legal Services Program (call 1-800-498-9469) or apply online at their website. Statewide legal help for low-income rural and small-city Georgians. Atlanta Legal Aid Society serves the metro Atlanta area. The State Bar of Georgia 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.

Georgia Legal Aid Organization

Georgia Legal Services Program

Website: glsp.org

Phone: 1-800-498-9469

Statewide legal help for low-income rural and small-city Georgians. Atlanta Legal Aid Society serves the metro Atlanta area.

Lawyer Referral & Self-Help

State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service

gabar.org/forthepublic/lawyerreferralservice.cfm|1-404-527-8700

LawHelp.org

lawhelp.org/georgia-- 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

Georgia Legal Services Program

Statewide legal services for low-income rural and small-city Georgians

Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Free civil legal services in the metro Atlanta area

Reentry Legal Services

Georgia Justice Project

Leading reentry legal services in Georgia — record restriction, expungement, and employment help

Expungement & Record Clearing Programs

Georgia Justice Project — Record Restriction

Free record restriction assistance under Georgia's expanded record restriction law for eligible individuals

Law School Clinics

Emory University School of Law — Barton Clinic

Criminal defense, child welfare, and civil rights

Pro Bono Programs

Georgia Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program

Coordinates pro bono legal services across Georgia

Public Defender System

Mixed

Georgia has a Georgia Public Defender Council that oversees circuit public defender offices, but some counties still use court-appointed attorneys.

How to Apply for Legal Aid

  1. 1

    Contact Georgia Legal Services Program

    Call 1-800-498-9469 or apply online at their website. You can also visit a local office in person.

  2. 2

    Complete intake screening

    Staff will verify your income, residency, and case type. Have proof of income, identification, and relevant documents ready.

  3. 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. 4

    Receive legal help

    Services may include legal advice, document preparation, negotiation, or full representation depending on the case type and available resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get free legal help in Georgia?
Contact Georgia Legal Services Program at 1-800-498-9469 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/georgia for a directory of free legal resources, or call the State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-404-527-8700 for a lawyer referral.
What is the income limit for free legal aid in Georgia?
Most legal aid programs in Georgia 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 Georgia?
Yes. Georgia Justice Project — Record Restriction provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
Does Georgia 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. Georgia has a Georgia Public Defender Council that oversees circuit public defender offices, but some counties still use court-appointed attorneys. 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

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Legal aid eligibility, programs, and services change periodically. Contact the organizations listed above for exact current availability. For immediate help, call 211 or visit 211.org.