Key Takeaways

  • 2 legal aid organizations serve Georgia.
  • 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 Georgia

Georgia Legal Services Program

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Georgians outside the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Serves low-income residents of the metro Atlanta area with free legal assistance in housing, family law, and public benefits.

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 get free legal help in Georgia?

    Call Georgia Legal Services at 1-800-498-9469 (outside Atlanta) or Atlanta Legal Aid at 404-524-5811 (metro Atlanta area) to apply.

  • What does Georgia legal aid help with?

    Georgia legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, and health law for qualifying low-income residents.

  • Does Georgia legal aid help with domestic violence cases?

    Yes. Both Georgia Legal Services and Atlanta Legal Aid have dedicated programs for domestic violence survivors, including help with protective orders, divorce, and custody.

Sources