Free Legal Aid in Mississippi(2026) -- Low-Income & Reentry Services
Mississippi's free legal aid network provides civil legal services to low-income residents through Mississippi Center for 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.
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Quick Answer
You can get free legal help in Mississippi through Mississippi Center for Legal Services (call 1-800-498-1804) or apply online at their website. Legal services for low-income residents in central and southern Mississippi. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services serves the northern part of the state. The Mississippi Bar 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.
Mississippi Legal Aid Organization
Mississippi Center for Legal Services
Website: mscenterforlegalservices.org
Phone: 1-800-498-1804
Legal services for low-income residents in central and southern Mississippi. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services serves the northern part of the state.
Lawyer Referral & Self-Help
Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service
msbar.org/for-the-public/lawyer-referral-service|1-601-948-4471
LawHelp.org
lawhelp.org/mississippi-- 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
Legal services in central and southern Mississippi
Legal aid in northern Mississippi's rural communities
Reentry Legal Services
Assists with expungement and reentry barriers for eligible individuals
Expungement & Record Clearing Programs
Free expungement assistance for qualifying low-income individuals in Mississippi
Law School Clinics
Criminal appeals and post-conviction
Pro Bono Programs
Coordinates volunteer attorneys for free legal services
Public Defender System
Mixed
Mississippi has a State Public Defender office and also relies on court-appointed counsel in many counties.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
- 1
Contact Mississippi Center for Legal Services
Call 1-800-498-1804 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 Mississippi Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get free legal help in Mississippi?
- Contact Mississippi Center for Legal Services at 1-800-498-1804 or apply online at their website. You can also visit LawHelp.org/mississippi for a directory of free legal resources, or call the Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-601-948-4471 for a lawyer referral.
- What is the income limit for free legal aid in Mississippi?
- Most legal aid programs in Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
- Yes. Mississippi Center for Legal Services — 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 Mississippi 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. Mississippi has a State Public Defender office and also relies on court-appointed counsel in many counties. 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
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services — Apply for Help
Apply online or call 1-800-498-1804 for free civil legal assistance.
- Mississippi LawHelp
Directory of free legal aid programs, self-help resources, and court forms for Mississippi residents.
- Mississippi Bar 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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