Legal Aid in Tempe, AZ: How to Get Free or Low-Cost Legal Help

If you live in Tempe and need legal help but can’t afford a private attorney, you have several real, verified resources available through Maricopa County. This guide explains how to get help with issues like eviction, domestic violence, custody, unsafe housing, benefits denials, debt collection, and more.

Major legal aid organizations serving Tempe

Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS)

What they do: CLS is the primary provider of free civil-legal aid for Maricopa County residents, including Tempe. They help with housing (evictions, unsafe conditions, landlord/tenant disputes), family law (custody, support, domestic violence, eligible divorces), public benefits issues, consumer/debt disputes, wage theft, and employment issues. (clsaz.org)

Who they help: Low-income individuals and families who meet CLS income and asset guidelines. (clsaz.org/apply-for-services)

How to contact: Apply through the statewide portal AZLawHelp.org or call (602) 258-3434 or 1-800-852-9075 Monday–Friday, 9 AM–2 PM. (CLS office locations)

Arizona Legal Center (ALC)

What they do: ALC provides free legal guidance, brief advice, and low-cost attorney consultations. They do not take full representation cases, but they help you understand your rights and next steps. (arizonalegalcenter.org)

Phone: (480) 727-0127

Arizona Free Legal Answers

A free online legal-advice site where low-income residents can submit questions about civil legal issues and receive written answers from Arizona attorneys. Good for housing, family law, debt, and benefits. (az.freelegalanswers.org)

Tempe-specific and countywide support resources

• Law Library Resource Center (LLRC): Provides free court forms (custody, divorce, child support, name changes, protective orders), civil self-help classes, and form-filling guidance. (superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc)
• Modest Means Project: Reduced-fee lawyers (around $75/hour) for people who exceed aid-program income limits but still cannot afford full attorney rates. (azflse.org/modestmeans)
• Maricopa County Bar Lawyer Referral Service: Matches residents with private attorneys for a low-cost initial consultation. (maricopabar.org)
• Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project (ASCLP): For residents age 60+, provides free legal help for wills, guardianship, benefits issues, and consumer problems. (asclp.org)

Common legal issues these providers help with

Civil matters covered include:

• Evictions, rental disputes, unsafe housing conditions
• Custody, child support, parenting time, domestic violence
• Debt collection, garnishments, scams
• Unemployment benefits, SNAP, Medicaid/AHCCCS issues
• Wage theft and workplace rights
• Elder-law services for seniors

Usually NOT covered:

• Criminal cases (including misdemeanors and DUI)
• Business or commercial litigation
• Large personal-injury cases
• Complex immigration representation
• High-asset divorce or custody matters

When to seek help right away

• Eviction or lockout notices: Housing cases move fast — apply for legal help immediately.
• Domestic violence: If you are in danger, call 911; after that, reach out for protective-order assistance.
• Benefit cuts or denials: Appeal deadlines are short — don’t wait.
• Wage theft or consumer fraud: Documentation matters; gather papers and call quickly.

How to prepare before applying

1. Collect important documents: lease, notices, court filings, pay stubs, benefit letters, debt letters, ID, and income verification.
2. Make a timeline: note key dates — when notices were received, when issues started, when deadlines are coming.
3. Know your income & household details: number of people, income levels, benefits, any special circumstances.
4. Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences explaining your legal issue and what help you need.
5. Highlight urgent factors: domestic violence, disability, senior status, children involved, or risk of homelessness.

Alternatives if you don’t qualify for free aid

• Modest Means Project: Affordable civil-law attorneys for reduced fees.
• Maricopa County Bar Referral: Low-cost consultation with a private attorney.
• Self-help tools: LLRC’s forms and instructions, plus AZLawHelp.org.
• Brief-advice help: Arizona Legal Center can help you understand next steps.

Conclusion: Where Tempe residents should start

The best first step for Tempe residents needing civil-legal help is to apply through AZLawHelp.org to reach Community Legal Services. If you don’t qualify, the Modest Means Project, Arizona Legal Center, and the Maricopa County Bar Lawyer Referral Service offer strong alternatives. Always gather documents, prepare a timeline, and have a clear summary of your issue before contacting any provider.