Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia

Legal Aid · Virginia · Free

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and surrounding communities. Handles custody, protective orders, eviction defense, consumer issues, and public benefits appeals. Income eligibility required. Call during business hours to apply for services through the intake line. Walk-in assistance may be available at the Norfolk office on select days.

Contact & Details

Address: 125 St Pauls Blvd, Suite 400, Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone: 757-627-5423

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 Virginia

Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.

More Legal Aid in Virginia

  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia — Nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income, elderly, and disabled residents across Northern Virginia. Handles fami
  • Blue Ridge Legal Services — Free legal help for low-income residents in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas. Handles family law, housing, consumer, and public b
  • Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society — Free civil legal services for low-income residents in 39 counties and 7 cities in southwest Virginia covering family law, housing, and publi
  • Virginia Legal Aid Society (Lynchburg) — Free legal assistance for low-income individuals across central and southeastern Virginia in family law, housing, and public benefits matter
  • Central Virginia Legal Aid Society — Free legal services for low-income residents in the Richmond metro area. Handles family law, housing, consumer, and public benefits cases ac
  • Virginia Lawyer Referral Service — Virginia State Bar program connecting the public with licensed Virginia attorneys by practice area. Initial consultation up to 30 minutes fo

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.