If you are considering bankruptcy in Illinois but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/IL for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Illinois.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/IL to find the legal aid office nearest you in Illinois. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Legal Aid Chicago
Free legal services for low-income Chicagoans, including consumer debt and bankruptcy.
Prairie State Legal Services
Serves northern and central Illinois with free legal aid.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Free legal services for central and southern Illinois.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
University of Illinois College of Law Clinics
Multiple legal clinics in Champaign.
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Clinics
Multiple legal clinics in Chicago.
University of Chicago Law School Clinics
Clinical programs serving Chicago communities.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Illinois
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Illinois. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Illinois
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of Illinois
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Illinois
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for Illinois. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/IL -- Find free legal help in Illinois
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge