S.J. Quinney College of Law – Pro Bono

Legal Aid · Utah · Free

University of Utah law students provide free legal assistance through supervised pro bono clinics at the Salt Lake City campus, covering family law, expungement, immigration, and civil matters. Fathers who meet income guidelines can schedule weekday intake appointments. Bring photo ID, income documentation, and all related court papers; student attorneys will prepare forms and offer limited representation under faculty supervision.

Contact & Details

Address: 383 S University St, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Phone: 801-581-6833

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
  • 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
  • Utah Legal Clinic — Offers reduced-fee legal services to Utah residents who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but still cannot afford standard private

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.