If you are considering bankruptcy in Tennessee 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/TN for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Tennessee.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/TN to find the legal aid office nearest you in Tennessee. 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 Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Free legal services in Nashville and middle Tennessee.
Memphis Area Legal Services
Free legal services in the Memphis area.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee
Serves Knoxville and eastern Tennessee.
West Tennessee Legal Services
Serves west Tennessee.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
Vanderbilt University Law School Clinics
Legal clinics in Nashville.
University of Tennessee College of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Knoxville.
University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Memphis.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Tennessee Bar Association Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Tennessee
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Tennessee. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Tennessee
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Tennessee
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 Tennessee. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/TN -- Find free legal help in Tennessee
- 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