Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Lafayette, LA — including verified providers, what they handle, who qualifies, and how to prepare before reaching out.
Legal Aid in Lafayette, LA: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Lafayette and cannot afford a private attorney, there are several civil legal-aid organizations serving Lafayette Parish and Acadiana. These providers help with eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence, family law, debt collection, consumer issues, elder law, and public-benefits disputes. Even if they cannot fully represent you, many offer brief advice, referrals, clinics, or self-help tools. (Residents may also upload legal documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Lafayette
Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) — Lafayette Office
What they do: ALSC is the primary civil legal-aid provider for low-income residents of Acadiana. They help with eviction defense, housing rights, domestic violence protective orders, family law (custody, divorce, support — eligibility varies), debt and consumer issues, elder law, disaster recovery issues, and benefits problems (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI).
How to contact: Lafayette Office: (337) 237-4320. Website: la-law.org.
Faith House of Acadiana — Domestic Violence Support
What they do: Provides crisis support for survivors of domestic violence, including safety planning, emergency shelter, help with protective orders, and court accompaniment. They do not offer full legal representation but provide crucial advocacy.
How to contact: 24/7 Hotline: (888) 411-1333. Website: faithhouseacadiana.com.
Louisiana Civil Justice Center (LCJC) — Statewide Hotline
What they do: Offers free legal information, referrals, and limited advice statewide. They help with housing issues, debt collection, family law questions, disaster-related matters, and benefits problems.
Contact: Hotline: 1-800-310-7029. Website: laciviljustice.org.
Louisiana Law Help — Free Online Self-Help Center
What they do: Provides free legal forms and instructions covering eviction, divorce, custody, child support, protection orders, and small claims.
Website: louisianalawhelp.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Lafayette
- Eviction defense and landlord/tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions
- Debt collection, garnishment, repossession, and consumer fraud
- Foreclosure or mortgage issues
- Domestic violence, stalking, and protective orders
- Family law: custody, child support, divorce, parenting time
- Public-benefits issues (SNAP, Medicaid, disability, unemployment)
- Elder law: exploitation, guardianship, and benefits access
- Disaster-related legal issues (common across Louisiana)
What Legal Aid Usually Does Not Handle
- Criminal defense (felony, misdemeanor, DUI, traffic cases)
- Business or commercial litigation
- Personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuits
- Immigration court representation (detention or removal)
When Lafayette Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or hearing date: Louisiana eviction proceedings move quickly — contact ALSC immediately.
- You are experiencing domestic violence: Faith House can provide emergency shelter and protective-order help.
- You receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Deadlines are strict — save all documents.
- Your public benefits are denied or cut off: Appeals must be filed before the stated deadline.
- You have a scheduled court hearing: Reach out to legal aid as soon as possible.
How to Prepare Before Calling or Applying
- Gather key documents: leases, eviction notices, debt letters, court documents, benefits denials, pay stubs, medical paperwork, police reports, photos of unsafe housing, and written communication with landlords or creditors.
- Create a short timeline: major dates for notices, events, payments, or communication.
- Prepare income & household details: used to determine eligibility for ALSC.
- Write a brief summary: 2–3 sentences outlining your issue and the type of help you need.
- Highlight urgent factors: risk of homelessness, domestic violence, disabilities, elderly or children affected, upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- LCJC Legal Hotline: offers free legal information and referrals statewide.
- Louisiana Law Help: provides free forms and step-by-step guides for self-representation.
- Sliding-scale attorneys in Lafayette Parish: many local lawyers offer limited-scope or reduced-fee services.
- LegalClarity document-explainer tool: upload legal paperwork for a simple plain-language explanation — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Lafayette Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Lafayette and cannot afford a lawyer, start by contacting Acadiana Legal Service Corporation at (337) 237-4320. For domestic violence emergencies, Faith House can provide immediate support and help with protective orders. When full representation isn’t available, statewide hotlines, self-help tools, and your LegalClarity upload feature can help you understand your legal documents and next steps — informational only, not legal advice.