Free Legal Aid in Missouri
Free and low-cost legal help available in Missouri. Includes LSC-funded legal aid organizations, pro bono programs, and self-help resources for people who cannot afford an attorney.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- 3 legal aid organizations serve Missouri.
- 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 Missouri
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the greater St. Louis area and eastern Missouri.
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Serves low-income residents of the Kansas City area and western Missouri with free civil legal services.
Mid-Missouri Legal Services
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of central Missouri.
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
- Find a lawyer in Missouri — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in Missouri — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find legal aid in Missouri?
In the St. Louis area, call Legal Services of Eastern Missouri at 314-534-4200. In Kansas City, call Legal Aid of Western Missouri at 816-474-6750. In central MO, call Mid-Missouri Legal Services.
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What cases does Missouri legal aid handle?
Missouri legal aid covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, elder law, and tax law for qualifying low-income residents.
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Can I get help with an eviction in Missouri through legal aid?
Yes. Missouri legal aid organizations provide eviction defense, tenant rights information, and landlord-tenant mediation for qualifying low-income tenants.