Free Legal Aid in Indiana(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Indiana's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Indiana Legal Services and other organizations. These programs cover housing, family law, public benefits, expungement, and other critical legal needs for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Last updated:
Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Indiana through Indiana Legal Services (call 1-317-631-9410) or apply online at their website. Statewide civil legal services for low-income Indianans covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and expungement. The Indiana 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.
Indiana Legal Aid Organization
Indiana Legal Services
Website: indianalegalservices.org
Phone: 1-317-631-9410
Statewide civil legal services for low-income Indianans covering housing, family law, public benefits, consumer issues, and expungement.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/indiana-- 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 Indianans
Free legal services in central Indiana with faith-based approach
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with Indiana's second chance (expungement) law, driver license reinstatement, and other reentry issues
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement assistance under Indiana's Second Chance Law for eligible low-income individuals
Law School Clinics
Community legal education, protective orders, and expungement
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates pro bono legal services across Indiana
Public Defender System
Mixed
Indiana has a state Public Defender Commission that sets standards but relies on county-level public defenders and court-appointed counsel.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Indiana Legal Services
Call 1-317-631-9410 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 Indiana Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Indiana?
- Contact Indiana Legal Services at 1-317-631-9410 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/indiana for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-317-269-2222 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Indiana?
- Most legal aid programs in Indiana 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 Indiana?
- Yes. Indiana Legal Services — Second Chance Expungement provides free expungement assistance for eligible low-income individuals. Contact them or check LawHelp.org for expungement clinics and resources in your area.
- Does Indiana 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. Indiana has a state Public Defender Commission that sets standards but relies on county-level public defenders and court-appointed counsel. 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
- Indiana Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-317-631-9410 for free civil legal assistance.
- Indiana LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Indiana residents.
- Indiana 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.
Related Resources on This Site
More for your state
- Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Indianapolis, IN
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Indianapolis, IN
- ExpungementIndiana expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Indiana
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Indiana
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Indiana
- ProbationProbation & parole in Indiana
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Indiana
Helpful guides
- Pardon & ClemencyFederal pardon — how to apply for a presidential pardon
- ExpungementHow to find an expungement lawyer
- DUI RecoveryHow to find a DUI lawyer
- Safety & ProtectionLegal rights for DV survivors