If you live in Montgomery and can’t afford a private lawyer, you’re not alone. Nonprofit legal-aid groups, volunteer-lawyer programs, and law-school clinics help low-income residents with civil legal issues like housing, family law, benefits, and debt. This guide shows where to turn — fast — what they cover, and how to prepare when you call.
Major Legal Aid Organizations in Montgomery
Legal Services Alabama (LSA) — Montgomery Office
- Who they help: Low-income individuals and families statewide, including Montgomery County. (legalservicesalabama.org)
- What cases they take: Civil legal issues like housing/eviction, public benefits, consumer/debt, family law and safety, elder law, and more. (LSA)
- How to contact: Call Center: 866-456-4995 (Mon–Fri). Local office: 2567 Fairlane Dr., Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36116; Local: 334-832-4570; Toll-free: 800-844-5342. (AlabamaLegalHelp.org listing)
Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program (MVLP)
- Who they help: Low-income residents of Montgomery County in certain civil matters; income/asset screening applies. (MVLP – Get Assistance)
- What they offer: Pro bono attorney matches and Advice & Counsel clinics (first & third Tuesdays; second Thursday monthly) by appointment. (Clinic schedule)
- How to contact: 334-265-0222 ext. 1. (MVLP)
Free or Low-Cost Clinics & Hotlines in/near Montgomery
- Faulkner Law Clinics (Elder Law, Family Violence, Mediation) — Law-school clinics providing free civil-legal help to eligible clients (e.g., senior law, safety-related family matters). (Elder Law Clinic; Clinics overview)
- Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program (ASB VLP) — Statewide call center, referral service, and recurring advice clinics (including virtual clinic). Call Center: 888-857-8571; Lawyer Referral: 800-392-5660. (ASB VLP – For the Public; Clinic info)
- Alabama Free Legal Answers (ABA) — Online, civil-law advice for eligible users; ask a question and a volunteer attorney replies. (alabama.freelegalanswers.org)
- Self-help forms & guides — DIY packets and court forms for common civil issues (custody, divorce, etc.). (AlabamaLegalHelp.org; Alabama AOC Do-It-Yourself Forms)
What Legal Aid in Montgomery Usually Doesn’t Handle
- Criminal defense — LSA, MVLP, and most clinics focus on civil matters (housing, family, benefits, debt), not criminal charges. (MVLP eligibility)
- Complex/high-value business disputes — Aid programs serve individuals and families, not large commercial litigation.
- Capacity limits — Even if you qualify, you may receive advice, forms, or referrals instead of full representation when demand is high. (LSA)
Emergency & Urgent Legal Help in Montgomery
If you face eviction, unsafe housing, benefit loss, or safety-related family issues, act quickly:
- Call Legal Services Alabama — Evictions, tenant disputes, utilities shut-offs, benefit denials, domestic-violence-related civil issues. Call Center: 866-456-4995. (LSA)
- Book an MVLP clinic slot — Fast advice from a volunteer lawyer for many civil matters (appointment required). (MVLP clinics)
- Use Alabama Free Legal Answers — Quick online guidance while you gather documents or wait for intake. (ABA FLA – Alabama)
How to Prepare Before You Call
- Proof of income/benefits (pay stubs, benefit letters) and household information (who lives with you). (LSA Montgomery listing)
- Issue documents — lease/eviction notices, landlord letters, photos of unsafe conditions, benefit-denial letters, debt/collection notices, court papers.
- Deadlines — court dates, eviction or shut-off dates.
- Clear summary — what happened, when, who’s involved, and the help you need.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify
- ASB Volunteer Lawyers Program — Call Center 888-857-8571; virtual and live advice clinics; Lawyer Referral 800-392-5660. (ASB VLP)
- Self-help forms — Step-by-step packets via AlabamaLegalHelp.org and Alabama AOC Do-It-Yourself forms. (AlabamaLegalHelp; AOC E-Forms)
- Law-school clinics (Faulkner Law) — Elder Law, Family Violence, and other clinics for eligible clients. (Faulkner Law Clinics)
Key Takeaways
- Start with Legal Services Alabama (Montgomery) for civil legal help; use MVLP clinics for quick advice.
- Emergency issues (eviction, unsafe housing, benefit loss, family safety) may be prioritized — call early with documents ready.
- If you don’t qualify, try the Alabama State Bar VLP, Alabama Free Legal Answers, and self-help forms to move forward.