9 Resources
Free civil legal services for low-income residents of Boston and 31 surrounding communities. Covers family law (including custody and child support), housing, public benefits, employment, and immigration matters. Income-eligible clients can apply by phone or online; be ready to share household income, proof of residency, and any court papers or notices. Walk-in intake hours vary by unit, so call first to confirm eligibility and availability.
617-371-1234 · 197 Friend St, Boston, MA 02114
Official bar association referral service connecting the public with licensed Massachusetts attorneys by practice area and location, including family law. Initial 30-minute consultations are offered at a reduced rate; some clients may qualify for pro bono matching. Call the hotline or submit an online request; be ready to describe the legal issue, your location, and any relevant deadlines or court dates.
617-654-0400 · 20 West St, Boston, MA 02111
Pro bono legal program matching low-income Boston-area residents with volunteer attorneys for family law (custody, divorce, paternity), housing, consumer, and immigration cases. Income-eligible applicants apply through the Legal Advocacy & Resource Center hotline, which screens and refers to VLP. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court papers or notices to the intake call or appointment.
617-603-1700 · 7 Winthrop Sq, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Trust-account interest program that funds civil legal aid for low-income Massachusetts residents through grants to legal services organizations statewide. Residents do not apply directly; instead IOLTA funds support intake hotlines and local legal aid programs that handle family law, housing, benefits, and consumer cases. Visit the website for a list of grantees that accept income-eligible client applications.
617-723-9093 · 18 Tremont St, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02108
Provides pro bono legal representation for immigrants, minorities, and low-income residents in the Boston area on civil rights, housing discrimination, and economic justice issues. Does not generally handle individual family law cases, but refers to legal aid partners when appropriate. Intake is by appointment; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any notices or court papers related to the discrimination or civil rights issue.
617-482-1145 · 61 Batterymarch St, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Nonprofit that uses legal advocacy, systemic litigation, and policy work to address barriers to justice for low-income Massachusetts residents in areas including family homelessness, education access, and court access. Does not provide direct representation in individual custody or divorce cases; refers to local legal aid programs. Contact through the website for policy inquiries and volunteer opportunities.
617-482-8686 · Boston, MA
Statewide legal hotline for low-income Massachusetts residents providing free brief advice, document review, and referrals on civil legal issues including family law, housing, and public benefits. Callers are screened for income eligibility and case type, then receive advice from an attorney or a referral to a local legal aid office or pro bono program. Have photo ID, income info, and any papers or notices ready when you call.
617-603-1700 · 7 Winthrop Sq, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Statewide legal advocacy organization working on systemic issues affecting low-income families including public benefits, housing, family law, immigration, and domestic violence. Supports front-line legal aid programs with training, publications, and impact litigation but does not take individual client cases directly. Parents seeking case help should contact LARC, GBLS, or their regional legal aid office for intake.
617-357-0700 · 40 Court St, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02108
Free legal clinic operated by Suffolk University Law School students under faculty supervision, providing assistance on family law, housing, and public benefits matters to low-income Boston residents. Clinic runs during the academic year and takes a limited number of cases. Apply by phone or online; bring photo ID, proof of income, and any court papers to the intake appointment. Closed during school breaks and summer.
617-573-8000 · 120 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108