Read here to learn more about getting legal help from programs for low-income people. You can click on the "Legal Program Directory" at the top of any page on this site to see a list of programs in Louisiana that offer legal help to low-income people.  

There are many ways a program may help:

• Full Representation - by a lawyer or paralegal in court or at an agency hearing.
• Brief Advice - in person or over the phone.
• Legal Clinic - where you talk briefly to a lawyer about your legal problem.
• Pro Se Clinics - where you learn how to help yourself with a legal problem.
• Self-Help - brochures, factsheets and other written material.
• Other - workshops, referrals to private attorneys, and other services.

Note:  Not all programs give all the services listed. 

Some programs only serve certain groups such as:

• Children
• Seniors
• People who are HIV positive or related to those with HIV.
• Victims of domestic violence.

You may want to look at a program's eligibility rules before you contact it for help.

Some programs can't serve people if they have more than a certain amount of money or income.  Louisiana LawHelp does not guarantee help from any program even if you meet its income guidelines. 

Assets also can change whether or not a program can help you. There are some rules about this, but the program can look at your situation to see if it can help you.

Many legal services groups use the chart below to decide who can receive help. 

The first dollar figure going across the chart is 125%  of what the Federal Government calls the poverty line. The second dollar figure going across the chart is 200% over what the Federal Government calls the poverty line.  "Family Size" is the total number of people in the household.  Even if you think you have too much money, you should still check with the program to see if you can get help, just to be sure.

Some free programs make exceptions for seniors, people who are HIV positive, or victims of domestic violence. Some also consider expenses such as childcare, medical bills and debts.  You might also get help from other places - click here to find out more.