Meta: A 2025 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Chattanooga, Tennessee — including verified local organizations, eligibility requirements, and preparation steps. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Chattanooga, TN: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Chattanooga and cannot afford a private attorney, several nonprofit and statewide organizations offer free or low-cost civil legal services. These groups assist with housing and eviction defense, domestic violence, family law, consumer debt, benefits appeals, and elder law. (You can also upload legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Chattanooga
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) — Chattanooga Office
What they do: LAET provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families across southeastern Tennessee. The Chattanooga office focuses on eviction and housing cases, domestic violence, family law, consumer protection, elder law, and public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI). They also offer legal clinics and outreach programs for veterans and seniors.
Who they help: Low-income individuals, seniors, veterans, and victims of abuse who meet income-eligibility guidelines (typically below 125% of the federal poverty level).
Contact: 744 McCallie Avenue, Suite 410, Chattanooga, TN 37403. Phone: (423) 756-4013. Toll-free: 1-800-572-7457. Website: laet.org.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) — Help4TN
What they do: Operates the statewide legal helpline and resource portal Help4TN.org. Residents can call 1-844-HELP4TN to get legal information, referrals, or free advice on housing, family law, debt, and benefits issues.
Who they help: All Tennessee residents, including those in Hamilton County, seeking free legal information or referral services.
Contact: Phone: 1-844-HELP4TN (1-844-435-7486). Website: help4tn.org.
Chattanooga Family Justice Center
What they do: Provides coordinated services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including legal advocacy, assistance with protection orders, and referrals to free lawyers through LAET or pro bono attorneys.
Who they help: Survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
Contact: 5705 Uptain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411. 24-hour Crisis Line: (423) 755-2700. Website: fjcchatt.org.
Chattanooga Bar Association — Pro Bono and Lawyer Referral Program
What they do: Coordinates volunteer attorney programs, legal-advice clinics, and referrals for reduced-cost consultations. Partners with LAET for pro bono representation in housing, consumer, and family-law matters.
Who they help: Low-income and moderate-income Hamilton County residents needing civil legal help.
Contact: 801 Broad Street, Suite 420, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Phone: (423) 756-3222. Website: chattanoogabar.org.
Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults — Victim Support Services
What they do: Offers crisis support, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault. Provides help with protective orders and connections to free legal representation through local partners.
Who they help: Victims of abuse, exploitation, and domestic violence in Chattanooga and surrounding areas.
Contact: 1800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404. 24-hour Crisis Hotline: (423) 755-2700. Website: partnershipfca.com.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Chattanooga
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Domestic violence and protection orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Consumer and debt collection issues
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI)
- Elder law and exploitation prevention
- Veterans’ benefits and housing assistance
- Disability rights and access
What Chattanooga Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic cases
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or corporate litigation
- High-asset divorce or property disputes
When Chattanooga Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court papers: Contact LAET immediately — eviction cases move fast.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call the Family Justice Center or 911 in an emergency.
- Your benefits are denied or terminated: File an appeal promptly — deadlines are short.
- You receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Contact LAET or the Chattanooga Bar’s referral service.
- You are a senior facing eviction or exploitation: Ask LAET about elder-law programs.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: Leases, eviction notices, court papers, benefit letters, and pay stubs.
- Write a summary: Explain your issue in 2–3 sentences.
- List key dates: Deadlines, hearing dates, or notice periods.
- Provide proof of income: Pay stubs, unemployment, or benefit records.
- Highlight urgency: Homelessness, safety risks, or loss of benefits.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Reduced-cost attorneys: Contact the Chattanooga Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Program. (chattanoogabar.org)
- Statewide resources: Visit Help4TN.org for free forms and guides.
- Community mediation: The Family Justice Center provides conflict-resolution referrals.
- LegalClarity tools: Upload documents for plain-English explanations — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Chattanooga Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Chattanooga and cannot afford a lawyer, start by contacting Legal Aid of East Tennessee at (423) 756-4013. For general legal information or referrals, call the statewide Help4TN Helpline at 1-844-HELP4TN. Survivors of domestic violence should reach out to the Family Justice Center or Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults. If you don’t qualify for free help, contact the Chattanooga Bar Association for reduced-cost legal services or use LegalClarity’s tools for plain-language explanations — informational only, not legal advice.