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.

Legal Aid in Oregon

13 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 Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

13 Resources

1. Oregon Law Center — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal services to low-income Oregonians in housing, family, public benefits, and consumer matters. Regional offices coordinate intake based on county and case type. Call 503-473-8321 weekdays or apply online at oregonlawcenter.org. Have photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or benefits letters, and any paperwork related to your legal issue ready when you request help.

503-473-8321 · 522 SW 5th Ave #812, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. St. Andrew Legal Clinic — Paid

Affordable family law services for low- and moderate-income families in the Portland metro area, covering custody, parenting time, divorce, and child support. Fees are based on income and adjusted through a sliding scale. Call 503-281-1500 during weekday business hours or learn more at salcgroup.org. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, any court papers you have received, and a brief summary of your case.

503-281-1500 · 2 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Multnomah Bar Association – Pro Bono — Free

Volunteer attorney program connecting qualifying low-income residents of Multnomah County with free legal representation in civil matters such as family law and housing. Intake is handled through partner legal aid agencies. Call 503-222-3275 weekdays or visit mbabar.org for details. Applicants typically need to provide photo ID, proof of income, and a brief summary of the legal issue so staff can match them with the right attorney.

503-222-3275 · 620 SW 5th Ave #1220, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Center for Non-Profit Legal Services – Medford — Free

Free legal aid for low-income residents of Jackson, Josephine, and other southern Oregon counties in civil cases including family law, housing, and public benefits. Office intake is accepted Monday through Friday. Call 541-779-7291 or visit cnpls.org to request help. Bring photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or a benefits letter, and any paperwork tied to your case when applying.

541-779-7291 · 225 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Disability Rights Oregon — Free

Legal advocacy nonprofit protecting the rights of Oregonians with disabilities in education, employment, housing, benefits, and family law matters. Services are available statewide through intake calls and online submissions. Reach the office at 503-243-2081 during weekday business hours or apply at droregon.org. Applicants usually provide photo ID, documentation of the disability, and a summary of the legal issue they are facing.

503-243-2081 · 610 SW Broadway #200, Portland, OR 97205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Catholic Charities of Oregon – Legal Services — Free

Provides immigration legal services and family law assistance for Oregonians regardless of faith background, including green card, citizenship, DACA, and related matters. Office intake is scheduled by phone. Call 503-231-4866 weekdays or visit catholiccharitiesoregon.org to request an appointment. Bring photo ID, any immigration paperwork, family court documents, and proof of income when meeting with staff.

503-231-4866 · 2740 SE Powell Blvd #2, Portland, OR 97202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Oregon State Bar – Modest Means Program — Paid

Reduced-fee legal representation for moderate-income Oregonians in family law, landlord-tenant, and criminal matters who do not qualify for traditional legal aid. A screening determines income eligibility and matches applicants with participating attorneys. Call 503-684-3763 or visit osbar.org/public/ris/modestmeans.html. Have photo ID, recent pay stubs, and case documents ready when you apply.

503-684-3763 · 16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Tigard, OR 97224 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Campaign for Equal Justice — Free

Oregon nonprofit that fundraises and advocates for legal aid programs, expanding civil legal access for low-income residents statewide. Does not directly represent clients but directs callers to partner agencies such as Legal Aid Services of Oregon and Oregon Law Center. Call 503-295-8442 during weekday business hours or visit cej-oregon.org to learn about local offices that match your county and case type.

503-295-8442 · 921 SW Washington St #370, Portland, OR 97205 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Lewis & Clark Law School – Legal Clinic — Free

Free legal clinics in southwest Portland staffed by supervised law students assisting with civil matters such as immigration, small business, and domestic relations. Cases are accepted based on clinic specialty and student capacity each term. Call 503-768-6600 weekdays or visit law.lclark.edu/clinics to apply. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any documents related to your case to the intake appointment.

503-768-6600 · 10101 S Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. University of Oregon Law School – Legal Clinic — Free

Free legal clinics in Eugene staffed by supervised third-year law students handling civil matters including domestic relations, criminal defense, and business law for eligible clients. Cases are taken based on specialty and term availability. Call 541-346-3852 or apply at law.uoregon.edu/explore/clinics. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any existing case paperwork or court notices to your intake appointment.

541-346-3852 · 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Oregon Volunteer Lawyers Project — Free

Coordinates pro bono attorney services for qualifying low-income Oregonians in civil legal matters including family, housing, and consumer cases statewide. Intake is handled through Legal Aid Services of Oregon. Call 503-224-4086 Monday through Friday to start an application. Applicants typically need to show photo ID, proof of income such as pay stubs or a benefits letter, and documents related to their legal issue.

503-224-4086 · 520 SW Yamhill St #200, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

12. Willamette University College of Law – Clinic — Free

Free legal clinics serving the Salem community through supervised law students, with focus areas that may include business, child advocacy, and international human rights each term. Cases are accepted based on clinic capacity and eligibility. Call 503-370-6282 or visit willamette.edu/law/clinics to apply. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and any paperwork tied to your legal issue to the intake meeting.

503-370-6282 · 245 Winter St SE, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Immigration Counseling Service – Portland — Paid

Affordable immigration legal services for Oregon residents, including assistance with green cards, naturalization, asylum, DACA, family petitions, and related matters. Fees are scaled based on ability to pay. Call 503-221-1689 weekdays or visit ics-law.org to schedule a consultation. Bring photo ID, any immigration paperwork, passports, court notices, and proof of income when meeting with an attorney.

503-221-1689 · 519 SW Park Ave #610, Portland, OR 97205 · 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.