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 Texas

16 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 Texas

Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.

16 Resources

1. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) — Free

One of the largest legal aid organizations in the US, serving South and West Texas including Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. Free civil legal representation in family law and custody across 68 counties. Call (833) 329-8752 Monday through Friday 9 AM–5 PM. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, case documents, and court orders when seeking intake. Bilingual English and Spanish services available at all offices.

(833) 329-8752 · 300 South Texas, Weslaco, TX 78596 · Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm · Visit Website

2. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas — Free

Free civil legal services to eligible low-income residents across 114 counties in North and West Texas, including family law, custody, and protective orders. Serves the DFW metro and surrounding rural areas. Main office at 600 East Weatherford St., Fort Worth. Call (817) 336-3943 Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM. Income and case-merit requirements apply. Bring pay stubs, court documents, and a valid photo ID to your intake appointment.

(817) 336-3943 · 600 East Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76102 · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm · Visit Website

3. Texas Advocacy Project — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing free legal services to survivors of family violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Family Law Hotline: 800-777-3247. Assists with protective orders, custody matters connected to domestic violence, and safety planning. Located in Austin at P.O. Box 833, TX 78767. Main line (512) 476-5377 Monday through Friday 9 AM–5 PM. Male survivors are eligible — all callers treated with confidentiality and without judgment.

(512) 476-5377 · P.O. Box 833, Austin, TX 78767 · Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm; Hotline: 800-777-3247 · Visit Website

4. TexasLawHelp.org — Free

Official free statewide legal self-help website with hundreds of plain-language guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for family law matters. Available in English and Spanish. Use the site to find court-approved forms, understand Texas custody law, and locate local legal aid. Includes interactive interview tools that generate completed court forms based on your answers. Supported by Texas Legal Services Center at (512) 477-6000.

(512) 477-6000 · 1920 E. Riverside Dr., Suite A-120, Austin, TX 78741 · Website 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm · Visit Website

5. State Bar of Texas — Lawyer Referral Service — Paid

Connects Texans with licensed attorneys for a low-cost initial 30-minute consultation starting at 0. Spanish-speaking attorneys available. Covers all areas of Texas law including family, custody, child support, and divorce. Call (800) 252-9690 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. After the referral, the attorney's office contacts you directly to schedule. No income requirement — service open to all Texans regardless of financial situation.

(800) 252-9690 · P.O. Box 12487, Austin, TX 78711 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Houston Volunteer Lawyers — Free

Pro bono legal services arm of the Houston Bar Association and largest provider of free legal help in Harris County. Family law clinics for custody, divorce, and child support. Saturday clinics on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 8:30 AM–1 PM. Call (713) 228-0735 for intake. Located at 1000 Louisiana St., Suite 3600, Houston. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, case documents, and photo ID to your clinic appointment.

(713) 228-0735 · 1000 Louisiana St., Suite 3600, Houston, TX 77002 · Mon-Fri office hours; Saturday clinics 8:30am-1:00pm · Visit Website

7. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP) — Free

Joint project of Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas providing free legal help to low-income Dallas County residents including family law. Neighborhood legal clinics held throughout Dallas. Call (214) 243-2236 or visit 1515 Main St., Dallas. Clinics cover custody, divorce, child support, and protective orders. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, any court documents, and a photo ID to your clinic appointment.

(214) 243-2236 · 1515 Main St., Dallas, TX 75201 · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm · Visit Website

8. San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) — Free

Nonprofit volunteer attorneys providing free civil legal services in San Antonio including custody disputes, divorce, and protective orders. Monthly Veterans Legal Advice Clinic available for military-connected fathers. Call (210) 678-8100 for clinic schedule and intake. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, existing court orders, and photo ID. Email volunteer@sa-lsa.org for more information about upcoming free legal clinics in the San Antonio area.

(210) 678-8100 · P.O. Box 12404, San Antonio, TX 78212 · Call for clinic schedule · Visit Website

9. Travis County Law Library & Self-Help Center — Free

Publicly accessible law library and self-help center in Austin assisting self-represented fathers with legal research, court forms, and guidance on custody, divorce, child support, and paternity cases. Located at 1700 Guadalupe Street, 2nd Floor, Austin. Open Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM. Call (512) 854-8677 for hours and available resources. Computers, legal databases, and reference staff available at no cost to the public.

(512) 854-8677 · 1700 Guadalupe Street, 2nd Floor, Austin, TX 78701 · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm · Visit Website

10. Texas Free Legal Answers — Free

Free online Q&A platform where volunteer Texas attorneys answer civil legal questions for qualifying low-income residents. Submit questions about custody, divorce, and family law 24/7. Responses typically arrive within a few days. Income eligibility applies. Create a free account at texas.freelegalanswers.org. Ideal for fathers who need a brief legal opinion before deciding whether to hire an attorney or represent themselves in family court.

Online Service · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

11. El Paso Center for Legal Services — Free

Free legal services for low-income El Paso residents including family law, custody, and immigration. Walk-in intake available at 100 N Stanton St Suite 300, El Paso, TX 79901. Call (915) 585-5100 Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, photo ID, and any court documents. Staff and volunteer attorneys assist with custody, divorce, and child support cases in El Paso County family courts.

(915) 585-5100 · 100 N Stanton St Suite 300, El Paso, TX 79901 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

12. University of Texas School of Law — Legal Clinics — Free

Free legal services from UT law students under faculty supervision. Family law clinic handles custody, divorce, and SAPCR cases for qualifying Austin-area residents. Located at 727 E Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78705. Call (512) 232-1300 during the academic semester for intake information. Income eligibility required. Bring proof of income, relevant court documents, and photo ID. Cases are carefully supervised by licensed faculty attorneys throughout representation.

(512) 232-1300 · 727 E Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX 78705 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (semester) · Visit Website

13. South Texas College of Law Houston — Legal Clinics — Free

Free legal clinics serving the Houston area. Family law, immigration, and civil rights clinics for qualifying low-income clients. Located at 1303 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002. Call (713) 646-1766 during the academic semester for intake. Law students handle cases under licensed faculty supervision. Income eligibility required. Bring pay stubs, court documents, and photo ID. Cases include custody, divorce, child support, and SAPCR matters for Harris County residents.

(713) 646-1766 · 1303 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (semester) · Visit Website

14. Texas Disability Rights — Free

Free legal advocacy for Texans with disabilities. Handles discrimination, benefits, education, and civil rights cases statewide. Located at 2222 W Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78758. Call (800) 252-9108 Monday through Friday 8 AM–5 PM. Assists fathers with disabilities navigating custody cases, benefits access, housing discrimination, and education rights. No income requirement — services are based on disability status and legal merit of the case.

(800) 252-9108 · 2222 W Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78758 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Texas 211 — Legal Referrals — Free

Dial 211 for referrals to legal aid organizations, court self-help resources, and social services across Texas. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Specialists can connect you to free legal clinics, SAPCR self-help centers, housing assistance, mental health services, and emergency financial aid anywhere in the state. You can also visit 211texas.org for an online directory. No income requirement to call or use the referral service.

211 · Statewide Service · 24/7 · Visit Website

16. Texas Access to Justice Foundation — Free

Statewide organization funding and coordinating legal aid for low-income Texans. Directory of all legal aid providers searchable by county and legal issue at teajf.org. Call (512) 320-0099 Monday through Friday 9 AM–5 PM. The foundation does not provide direct services but can direct you to the correct legal aid office for your county. Covers family law, housing, benefits, and other civil legal needs statewide for low-income Texans.

(512) 320-0099 · Austin, TX · 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.