UW Law School Legal Clinic

Legal Aid · Wisconsin · Free

Free legal services provided by supervised University of Wisconsin Law students handling family law, immigration, consumer, and civil rights cases for low-income Dane County residents. Fathers can request help with custody, placement, and paternity matters. Intake by phone during business hours. Bring photo ID, income documentation, and copies of any court papers or agency letters to your scheduled appointment.

Contact & Details

Address: 975 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608-263-7830

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

More Legal Aid in Wisconsin

  • Legal Action of Wisconsin (Milwaukee) — Wisconsin's largest legal aid organization providing free civil legal services to low-income residents statewide in family law, custody, hou
  • Wisconsin Judicare (Northern WI) — Free civil legal services for low-income residents across 33 counties of northern Wisconsin including family law, custody, housing, public b
  • Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee — Free legal representation for low-income Milwaukee County residents in family law, custody, housing, civil rights, and guardianship cases. F
  • Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic — Free walk-in legal clinics staffed by Marquette Law School students and supervising attorneys serving Milwaukee-area low-income residents. F
  • State Bar of Wisconsin - Lawyer Referral — Official bar association service connecting Wisconsin residents with licensed attorneys by practice area and county, with fee-based referral
  • WisLawHelp.org — Free statewide legal information website with self-help guides, standardized court forms, and a searchable directory of legal aid providers

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.