How to Get Legal Help

There are a variety of ways to get legal help. Some options include: online legal websites, attorneys and legal aid. Some legal help is free and others will cost money. The legal help that costs money may offer payment arrangements. Look into each option and decide on the best one to use for legal help.

• Go to an online search engine and type in “legal help.”  Visit websites and research information about your legal situation. Be sure to only choose neutral legal resource websites and not attorney’s websites. 


• Look for an attorney that specializes in the area of law where the legal help is needed. Contact the attorney's office and ask if they offer a free consultation. Answer any questions the secretary asks and set up an appointment for a free consultation, if applicable.


• Meet with the attorney. Ask many questions and take notes of the answers they give. Ask the attorney about their process, fees and if they accept payments. Review the notes taken during the consultation and decide if you want to use an attorney for legal help.


• Look up the phone number for the local legal aid office which can be found on the Internet or in your phone book. Contact the local legal aid office and ask about their requirements. Ask them about the kind of cases they handle and make an appointment. Complete their application and provide any required documents. Legal aid is free if you meet their requirements.


• Meet with the legal aid attorney and talk about the legal situation. Ask them questions about the process and the next step. The legal aid attorney will give out their business card to contact them. Decide if you want to use the legal aid attorney for legal help or if you want to pursue another option.