Legal Aid Eligibility Calculator
Legal representation in family law cases can cost $5,000 to $25,000 or more. If your income is limited, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost legal help through legal aid organizations. Check your eligibility and explore alternative resources.
| Household Size | FPL | 125% (Basic Threshold) | 200% (Extended Threshold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $18,825 | $30,120 |
| 2 persons | $20,440 | $25,550 | $40,880 |
| 3 persons | $25,820 | $32,275 | $51,640 |
| 4 persons | $31,200 | $39,000 | $62,400 |
| 5 persons | $36,580 | $45,725 | $73,160 |
| 6 persons | $41,960 | $52,450 | $83,920 |
| 7 persons | $47,340 | $59,175 | $94,680 |
| 8 persons | $52,720 | $65,900 | $105,440 |
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal aid societies | Free legal representation for qualifying individuals |
| Pro bono programs | Volunteer attorneys through bar associations |
| Law school clinics | Supervised legal help from law students |
| Court self-help centers | Free assistance with forms and procedures |
How Legal Aid Eligibility Is Determined
Most legal aid organizations use the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as their primary income test. The standard threshold is 125% of FPL, meaning a single person earning under $18,825 or a family of four earning under $39,000 would typically qualify. Some programs extend eligibility up to 200% of FPL, especially for family law cases where the consequences of going without representation are severe (custody loss, domestic violence).
Income is not the only factor. Most programs also consider assets, debts, household expenses, and the merits of your case. Even if your income is slightly above the cutoff, you may qualify if you have extraordinary expenses like medical bills or if your case involves domestic violence. Some programs also consider whether you would qualify for a fee waiver in court, which uses similar income guidelines.
Special Eligibility Categories
Domestic violence victims often qualify for legal aid regardless of income through specialized organizations funded by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These programs prioritize protective orders, custody cases, and divorce cases involving abuse. If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for immediate referrals.
If you receive means-tested government benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF, SSI, or public housing assistance, you have already passed an income test and most legal aid programs will accept this as proof of eligibility. Bring documentation of your benefits to your legal aid intake appointment.
What Legal Aid Covers in Family Law
Legal aid programs typically handle divorce (especially when children are involved), child custody and visitation disputes, child support establishment and modification, protective orders, and some adoption cases. Most programs cannot help with cases where both sides can afford attorneys, purely financial disputes (like property division in high-asset divorces), or cases where they already represent the other party (conflict of interest).
Services may include full representation (an attorney handles your entire case), limited representation (help with specific parts like document preparation), advice clinics (brief consultations to guide self-representation), and self-help resources (forms, instructions, and court navigation). The level of service depends on the program's capacity and the complexity of your case.
Alternatives When You Do Not Qualify for Legal Aid
If your income is too high for legal aid but you still cannot afford a private attorney, several alternatives exist. Many bar associations operate lawyer referral services with reduced-fee initial consultations. Law school clinics provide free legal help supervised by licensed attorneys. Court self-help centers offer free assistance with forms and procedures. Unbundled legal services (where an attorney handles only specific tasks) can reduce costs by 50-70% compared to full representation.