International Rescue Committee – Legal Services

Legal Aid · Utah · Free

Provides free immigration-related legal assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants resettled in Utah, including family reunification, green card, and citizenship matters. Fathers navigating status and custody together can call the Salt Lake City office weekdays to request intake. Bring any USCIS correspondence, identity documents, and family records; interpreters are available for non-English speaking clients.

Contact & Details

Address: 221 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Phone: 801-328-1091

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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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 Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

More Legal Aid in Utah

  • Utah State Courts – Online Court Assistance — Free online Utah court document assembly tool (OCAP) that walks fathers through preparing divorce, custody, support, protective order, and n
  • Disability Law Center – Utah — Statewide legal advocacy and representation for Utahns with disabilities, including family law, custody, benefits, housing, and education ma
  • Utah Law Help — Free online legal information portal and self-help resources covering family law, custody, child support, housing, employment, and consumer
  • DNA People's Legal Services – SE Utah — Free civil legal services for Native American residents of southeastern Utah, including family law, custody, domestic violence, consumer, an
  • S.J. Quinney College of Law – Pro Bono — University of Utah law students provide free legal assistance through supervised pro bono clinics at the Salt Lake City campus, covering fam
  • J. Reuben Clark Law School – Legal Clinic — BYU law students offer free supervised legal help to community members in Utah Valley, handling family law, mediation, immigration, and civi

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.