How do I get free bankruptcy help?

Contact your local Legal Aid office, which provides free legal services to qualifying low-income residents. You can find your nearest office at lawhelp.org. Many bankruptcy courts also have self-help centers with free assistance.

What is legal aid and do I qualify?

Legal aid organizations provide free legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney. Eligibility is usually based on income (typically 125-200% of the federal poverty level). Each organization sets its own guidelines, so contact them directly to check.

Can I file bankruptcy without an attorney?

Yes, you can file bankruptcy pro se (without an attorney). However, bankruptcy law is complex and mistakes can be costly. Legal aid organizations and law school clinics can provide free or reduced-cost assistance. The bankruptcy court clerk's office can also provide procedural information.

What is a bankruptcy clinic?

Bankruptcy clinics are programs -- often run by law schools -- where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free legal assistance with bankruptcy cases. They offer a great option for people who cannot afford private attorneys.

Is credit counseling required before filing bankruptcy?

Yes. Federal law requires two courses: a credit counseling course before filing and a debtor education course before receiving a discharge. The U.S. Trustee maintains a list of approved providers. Many offer free or low-cost sessions.

Find Free Bankruptcy Help Near You -- Legal Aid by State [2026] -- Openbk Project

If you are considering bankruptcy but cannot afford an attorney, you are not alone. Millions of Americans face financial hardship every year, and there are free resources available in every state to help. This directory connects you with legal aid societies, pro bono attorneys, law school clinics, and court self-help programs that can assist you at no cost.

Important: This is not legal advice

This directory provides educational information and links to free resources. The organizations listed below can evaluate your specific situation and provide legal guidance.

National Resources

These organizations operate across all 50 states and are the best starting points if you need help.

⚖

LawHelp.org -- Legal Services Corporation Portal

The official portal for finding free legal aid in your state. Run by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the largest funder of civil legal aid in the U.S. Select your state to find local legal aid offices near you.

⚖

NACBA Find an Attorney

The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys directory. While these are private attorneys, many NACBA members participate in pro bono programs and offer free consultations.

⚖

UST-Approved Credit Counseling Agencies

The U.S. Trustee Program maintains the official list of approved credit counseling and debtor education providers. These courses are required before and after filing bankruptcy. Many are free or low-cost.

⚖

Legal Services Corporation (LSC)

The LSC is the single largest funder of civil legal aid in the United States, funding 132 independent legal aid programs with more than 800 offices across the country.

⚖

Bankruptcy Court Self-Help Centers

Many federal bankruptcy courts operate self-help centers or pro se assistance programs. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand forms, procedures, and filing requirements.

Select Your State

Click your state below to find legal aid organizations, law school clinics, pro bono programs, and bankruptcy court resources near you.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

What Kind of Free Help Is Available?

Legal Aid Organizations

Every state has at least one LSC-funded legal aid program that provides free civil legal services to low-income residents. Many handle consumer debt, foreclosure defense, and bankruptcy cases. Eligibility is typically based on income -- usually 125% to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Law School Bankruptcy Clinics

Many law schools operate clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free legal representation. These clinics often focus on consumer law, including bankruptcy. The quality of representation is typically excellent because faculty attorneys closely supervise all work.

Bar Association Pro Bono Programs

Most state and local bar associations operate pro bono referral programs that match low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys. Some attorneys volunteer specifically for bankruptcy cases.

Court Self-Help Programs

Many bankruptcy courts have self-help desks, pro se workshops, or volunteer attorney programs. These can help with filling out forms, understanding procedures, and navigating the bankruptcy process. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can provide procedural guidance.

Credit Counseling Agencies

Federal law requires two counseling sessions: one before filing (credit counseling) and one before discharge (debtor education). The U.S. Trustee approves agencies for each judicial district. Many approved agencies offer free sessions for low-income debtors.

How to Get Started

Contact your local legal aid office. Use lawhelp.org or click your state above to find the nearest office.
Gather basic financial information. Income, debts, assets, and recent tax returns will help any organization assess your situation.
Ask about eligibility. Most legal aid programs serve people below certain income thresholds, but each organization sets its own guidelines.
Complete required credit counseling. You must complete an approved credit counseling course before filing. Many are available online and some are free.
Explore all options. Bankruptcy is not always the best solution. A legal aid attorney can help you evaluate alternatives like debt negotiation, payment plans, or exemption protections.