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
Statewide legal services for low-income rural and small-city Georgians
Free civil legal services in the metro Atlanta area
Reentry Legal Services
Leading reentry legal services in Georgia — record restriction, expungement, and employment help
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free record restriction assistance under Georgia's expanded record restriction law for eligible individuals
Law School Clinics
Criminal defense, child welfare, and civil rights
Pro Bono Programs
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
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
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 Georgia Guides
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
- Georgia Legal Services Program — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-800-498-9469 for free civil legal assistance.
- Georgia LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Georgia residents.
- State Bar of Georgia 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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