If you need legal assistance or dispute resolution assistance but cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for free legal services. All Michigan communities are also served by dispute resolution centers that may be helpful in certain disputes. To apply for free help or learn more, check with some of the programs below to see if you are eligible.

The lists below are formatted as PDF files. You will need Adobe Acrobat to read them, which you can download free.

Legal Aid Programs and Services Programs throughout the state assisting individuals and families who have incomes near the federal "poverty" levels with various civil—not criminal—legal needs.

Legal Services for Senior Citizens Agencies that assist clients who are over the age of 60 who may be eligible for free legal services. These agencies provide assistance in civil law issues that target persons aged 60 and older.

Non-Profit and Community-based Advocacy Programs Each program has an intake or screening process for callers in order to determine if the program will be able to help.

Law School Clinics Michigan’s five law schools each offer clinical programs as part of their curriculum. Law school clinics offer counsel or instruction in a particular field of law and provide low-income persons with an opportunity to obtain legal representation. Under Michigan Court Rules, law students may provide direct representation to clients while under the supervision of experienced attorneys.

Military Legal Assistance Resources

Stateside Legal Legal help for military members, veterans, and their families

Dispute Resolution Centers/Mediation and Community Dispute Resolution Programs