If you are considering bankruptcy in Virginia 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/VA for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Virginia.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/VA to find the legal aid office nearest you in Virginia. 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 Justice Center
Free legal services in central Virginia.
Legal Services of Northern Virginia
Serves the Northern Virginia area.
Virginia Legal Aid Society
Serves southside and southwest Virginia.
Blue Ridge Legal Services
Serves the Shenandoah Valley region.
Central Virginia Legal Aid Society
Serves Richmond and central Virginia.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
University of Virginia School of Law Clinics
Legal clinics in Charlottesville.
William & Mary Law School Clinics
Legal clinics in Williamsburg.
George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Clinics
Legal clinics in Arlington.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Virginia State Bar Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Virginia
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Virginia. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Virginia
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 Virginia. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/VA -- Find free legal help in Virginia
- 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