Key Takeaways

  • 3 legal aid organizations serve Arizona.
  • Income eligibility: generally 125% of federal poverty level.
  • Covers civil matters: housing, family law, consumer issues, benefits.
  • Does not cover criminal cases — contact the public defender.

Legal Aid Organizations in Arizona

Community Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of central and northern Arizona in areas including housing, family, and consumer law.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid

Serves low-income residents of southern Arizona with free legal help in civil matters including housing, family law, and public benefits.

DNA — People's Legal Services

Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of the Navajo Nation and Apache County area.

Additional Resources

What Legal Aid Covers

  • Housing: Eviction defense, landlord disputes, public housing issues
  • Family law: Divorce, custody, protection orders, child support
  • Consumer: Debt collection, credit issues, utility shutoffs
  • Benefits: SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment
  • Immigration: Some programs handle immigration matters

What Legal Aid Won't Cover

  • Criminal cases: Contact the public defender's office
  • Fee-generating cases: Personal injury, workers' comp (find a contingency-fee lawyer instead)
  • Over income limit: Ask about sliding-scale fees or limited-scope representation

If You Don't Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I apply for legal aid in Arizona?

    Contact Community Legal Services (central/northern AZ) or Southern Arizona Legal Aid (southern AZ) by phone or through their websites to apply for free legal help.

  • What income level qualifies for legal aid in Arizona?

    Most Arizona legal aid programs serve individuals at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. Some programs have different thresholds based on the type of case.

  • Can legal aid help me with a divorce in Arizona?

    Yes. Arizona legal aid organizations can help with divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders, particularly when domestic violence is involved.

Sources