If you are considering bankruptcy in Louisiana 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/LA for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Louisiana.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/LA to find the legal aid office nearest you in Louisiana. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Free legal services in southeast Louisiana including New Orleans.
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
Serves central and southwest Louisiana.
Northwest Louisiana Legal Services
Serves northwest Louisiana.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
Tulane University Law School Clinics
Multiple legal clinics in New Orleans.
LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center Clinics
Legal clinics in Baton Rouge.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Louisiana State Bar Association Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Louisiana
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Louisiana. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Louisiana
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Louisiana
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 Louisiana. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/LA -- Find free legal help in Louisiana
- 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