Legal Aid in Nebraska

9 verified resources.

About Legal Aid for Fathers

Legal aid in the United States is delivered through a network of nonprofit organizations, law school clinics, pro bono attorney programs, and court-based self-help centers. Most legal aid organizations serve people with incomes at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level, though some programs have higher thresholds for certain case types. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs exist in every state and handle family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases. Law schools often run clinics where supervised students provide free representation. Bar associations coordinate volunteer attorneys through Modest Means and pro bono panels. For fathers specifically, the most common legal aid needs are custody, child support modifications, paternity establishment, and protective order responses — all areas most legal aid programs handle.

Legal Aid in Nebraska

Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide.

9 Resources

1. Nebraska Volunteer Lawyers Project — Free

Statewide pro bono program that matches income-qualifying Nebraskans with volunteer attorneys for civil legal matters including family law, housing, and consumer issues. Intake runs through the South 14th Street office in Lincoln weekdays. Call to screen eligibility and get on the waiting list. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any documents related to your legal issue when invited for an intake appointment.

402-475-7091 · 635 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Nebraska Law Help — Free

Free online legal information portal covering Nebraska family law, housing, public benefits, consumer, and employment topics. Self-represented fathers can read plain-language guides, download court forms, and find referrals to legal aid programs around the clock. Pair the guides with your actual court paperwork and consider calling Legal Aid of Nebraska or the Volunteer Lawyers Project if your case exceeds what you can handle alone.

24/7 online

3. Nebraska Disability Rights — Free

Federally-funded protection and advocacy organization providing legal help to Nebraskans with disabilities, including fathers facing discrimination in employment, housing, education, or government services. Call the intake line or visit the South 13th Street office in Lincoln during weekdays. Bring photo ID, documentation of your disability, and records of the problem you need help resolving. Services provided at no cost to eligible clients.

800-422-6691 · 134 S 13th St #600, Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Omaha Bar Association – Pro Bono — Free

Referral service connecting Omaha-area residents with volunteer attorneys willing to handle qualifying civil matters at no cost. Call during weekday business hours to describe your legal issue and be screened for eligibility. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any documents related to your case when matched with an attorney. Service area generally covers Douglas County and surrounding metro communities.

402-280-3603 · Omaha, NE 68102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. UNL College of Law – Civil Clinic — Free

Free civil legal representation for low-income Nebraskans provided by supervised University of Nebraska-Lincoln law students. The clinic handles qualifying family, housing, public benefits, and consumer cases during the academic year. Call the North 42nd Street office to request intake screening. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any paperwork related to your legal issue. Caseload is limited so reach out early.

402-472-3271 · 1875 N 42nd St, Lincoln, NE 68503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law — Free

Public interest law center advocating statewide for low-income Nebraskans through policy work, class-action litigation, and community education on topics including child welfare, immigration, and economic justice. The Lincoln office on O Street accepts inquiries during weekday business hours. Not a direct-service legal aid provider for individual cases, but a valuable referral and advocacy resource for fathers navigating systemic issues.

402-438-8853 · 941 O St #920, Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission — Free

State agency that investigates discrimination complaints involving employment, housing, and public accommodations based on protected characteristics. Fathers experiencing discrimination can file complaints at the Centennial Mall South office in Lincoln during weekdays. Bring photo ID, written details of the incident, names of witnesses, and any supporting documents. Investigations are free and can lead to mediation or formal findings.

402-471-2024 · 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Lincoln Bar Association – Pro Bono — Free

Volunteer attorney referral program connecting Lincoln-area residents with lawyers willing to take qualifying civil matters at no cost. Call during weekday business hours to describe your issue and be screened for eligibility. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any documents tied to your case when matched with counsel. Covers Lancaster County and surrounding communities for family, housing, and consumer law matters.

402-476-2692 · Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Nebraska ACLU – Legal Assistance — Free

American Civil Liberties Union affiliate providing civil liberties legal advocacy across Nebraska. The Lincoln office on South 13th Street handles inquiries involving free speech, due process, voting rights, and policing during weekday business hours. Submit a complaint intake through the website or by phone. The ACLU does not handle most family or housing matters and cannot act as your general attorney, but may take strategic civil rights cases.

402-476-8091 · 134 S 13th St #1010, Lincoln, NE 68508 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

Legal Aid — Common Questions

How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Most Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs serve households at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligibility also depends on case type — family law, housing, and public benefits are universally covered; other areas vary. Call your state's legal aid intake line to confirm.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid but can't afford a private lawyer?
Look for 'Modest Means' panels through your state bar association — they connect middle-income clients with lawyers at reduced rates. Law school clinics also provide free representation in specific case types. Many attorneys will handle a limited scope representation (one motion, one hearing) for a flat fee.
Can legal aid represent me in a custody case?
Yes, most LSC programs handle custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and protective order cases. They typically prioritize cases involving abuse, dependent children, or urgent risk. Simple uncontested matters may be referred to self-help centers instead.
How long does legal aid intake take?
Same-day phone intake for simple matters; 1–2 weeks for full assessment and case assignment. Walk-in clinics and advice-only sessions are faster. Bring government ID, proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letters), any court papers you've received, and a summary of your situation.