Guide to Finding Help

Guide to Finding Help

If you need legal help and live in Metro Atlanta, please call Atlanta Legal Aid at 404-524-5811. If you need legal help and live anywhere else in Georgia, call Georgia Legal Services Program at 888-408-1004. If you do not live in Georgia and need legal help, visit the Legal Services Corporation website to find the Legal Aid nearest you.
 

You can also use this intereactive guide to help you find the right place to call for legal help! The information in this guide is only for use in Georgia and has limited accessibility. For a fully accessible alternative, visit https://lawhelpinteractive.org/.  

For an accessible version of this video content, you can read the video transcript. 

Can I get help if my income is larger than the guidelines?

Some organizations may make exceptions for seniors, people who are HIV positive, or people experiencing domestic violence.  Some organizations also take into account expenses such as childcare, medical bills and debts.

Income Guidelines

Some organizations cannot serve people with incomes higher than their guidelines.  Income guidelines use either a percentage of the federal poverty income amount (example: $18,000/year). GeorgiaLegalAid.org does not guarantee assistance from an organization even if you meet its income guidelines.

Percentages of the Federal Poverty Level

The income guidelines most often used by legal services organizations are 125% to 200% of the federal poverty level. The amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar. "Family size" is the total number of people in the household.

Types of Representation

There are several different ways in which an organization can provide help:

• Full Representation - by a lawyer or a legal advocate in court or at a hearing at a government agency
• Brief Advice - in person or over the telephone
• Legal Clinic - where you can briefly talk to an attorney about your legal problem
• Pro Se Clinics - where you are shown how you can "help yourself" with a particular legal problem Self-Help - educational materials such as factsheets and brochures
• Other - workshops, referrals to private attorneys, and other services

Note: Not all organizations provide all the services listed.

Special Groups

Some organizations only serve special groups such as:

• Children
• Seniors
• People who are HIV positive or related to those with HIV
• People experiencing domestic violence

Be sure to look at these other requirements carefully before contacting an organization.