Free Legal Aid in North Carolina
Free and low-cost legal help available in North Carolina. 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
- 2 legal aid organizations serve North Carolina.
- 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 North Carolina
Legal Aid of North Carolina
North Carolina's primary legal aid provider, offering free civil legal services to low-income residents in all 100 counties.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Legal Aid of North Carolina — Charlotte)
Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg 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
- Find a lawyer in North Carolina — many offer free consultations
- Small claims court in North Carolina — handle smaller disputes yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get free legal help in North Carolina?
Call Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262 or apply online. They serve all 100 counties with offices across the state.
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What does North Carolina legal aid help with?
Legal Aid of NC handles housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, consumer issues, immigration, and disaster recovery for qualifying low-income residents.
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Does North Carolina legal aid help with hurricane and disaster recovery?
Yes. Legal Aid of North Carolina has extensive experience with disaster-related legal issues including FEMA appeals, insurance claims, and housing recovery.