10 Resources
Chicago's largest provider of free civil legal services for low-income residents, with a dedicated family law practice handling custody, support, and orders of protection. Income-eligible fathers can apply for representation online or by calling the intake line. Services include advice consultations, limited assistance with forms, and full representation in complex cases. Bring proof of income and all court documents to your intake appointment.
312-341-1070 · 120 S LaSalle St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603
Statewide online platform providing free legal information, court forms, and a legal help navigator connecting residents to local legal aid organizations. ILAO offers guided interviews to fill out court forms, plain-language legal guides for custody and child support, and an attorney matching service. Available in English and Spanish. Ideal for fathers who need help understanding their legal options at any hour.
312-977-9046 · 120 S LaSalle St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603
Pro bono legal organization matching low-income Chicagoans with volunteer attorneys for family law cases including custody, support, and guardianship. CVLS coordinates a network of volunteer lawyers from Chicago's top firms who provide free representation. Income-eligible fathers can apply through the intake line. Cases involving custody disputes, parenting time modifications, and child support are among those regularly handled.
312-332-1624 · 33 N Dearborn St, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602
Provides free holistic legal services including family law representation for low-income parents in custody and parenting cases on Chicago's Near North Side. CGLA takes a whole-person approach, pairing legal help with social services support. Eligible fathers can receive representation in custody disputes, parenting time matters, and child welfare cases. Call or apply online; bring proof of income and any existing court orders.
312-738-2452 · 740 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Serves as a gateway to Chicago's legal aid network, connecting low-income residents with appropriate free legal services including family law providers. The Chicago Bar Foundation funds and coordinates legal aid organizations throughout the metro area. Fathers unsure which organization to contact for custody, support, or housing matters can call CBF to be routed to the right provider based on their legal need and location.
312-554-1204 · 321 S Plymouth Ct, Suite 3B, Chicago, IL 60604
Illinois' federally mandated protection and advocacy organization providing free legal services for people with disabilities including family law matters. Equip for Equality assists fathers with disabilities who face discrimination in custody proceedings or need accommodations in court. They handle cases involving special education rights, abuse in care settings, and disability rights violations. Call or email to describe your situation and check eligibility.
312-341-0022 · 20 N Michigan Ave, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602
Chicago nonprofit providing free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction, housing discrimination, and unsafe living conditions. Fathers who are renters and face eviction that could affect their ability to maintain stable housing for shared custody can seek help here. LCBH handles landlord-tenant disputes, lease termination cases, and habitability complaints for income-eligible Cook County residents.
312-347-7600 · 33 N LaSalle St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60602
Law school clinic providing free legal representation in family law cases handled by supervised law students for qualifying clients. Located at Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, the Bluhm Legal Clinic offers high-quality representation under faculty supervision. Income-eligible fathers facing custody disputes, child welfare proceedings, or support issues may qualify for assistance during the academic year.
312-503-0211 · 375 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Provides free legal representation in orders of protection, custody, and divorce cases for domestic violence survivors in Cook County. LAF's Domestic Violence Project assists survivors — including fathers who are DV victims — with emergency protective orders, parenting time rights, and divorce proceedings. Call the intake line to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. Bring documentation of abuse and any existing court orders.
312-341-1070 · 120 S LaSalle St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603
Chicago law school clinic offering free legal assistance in housing discrimination and fair housing cases for qualifying clients. Run by Chicago-Kent College of Law students under faculty supervision, the clinic handles cases involving discrimination based on race, family status, disability, and other protected characteristics. Fathers denied housing that would affect their ability to maintain custody arrangements may seek help here during the academic year.
312-427-2737 · 315 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604