| What
if I need legal representation but cannot afford an attorney? If you are unable to afford a lawyer, and meet strict income requirements, you may qualify for free legal assistance in civil cases, depending on your income and the type of legal problem you have. Connecticut has four legal services agencies. All clients are initially referred to a legal services agency through Statewide Legal Services (telephone: (800) 453-3320), or in criminal cases, the Public Defender's Office. The types of cases handled by legal services lawyers include: domestic relations, housing, access to government benefits and employment discrimination. |
| The AIDS Legal Network also provides legal assistance to
low-income persons with HIV/AIDS in the areas of living wills, guardianships, medical
services, entitlements, insurance, estate planning and bankruptcy. Additional information
can be obtained by calling (860) 541-5000. |
| Communities Law Center provides reduced
fee legal assistance to low-income working people in the following civil types
of cases: health, disability, family, housing, wills, landlord/tenant, job discrimination
and child custody. Additional information about the Communities Law Center can be obtained
by calling the organization directly at (860) 246-4427. |
| Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) provides
information on family-related legal issues and may be able to refer those meeting certain
income guidelines to an attorney willing to provide services for reduced or sliding scale
fees. Additional information can be obtained by calling CWEALF directly at (860) 524-0601
between the hours of 9am and 1pm.
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