Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Ann Arbor, MI — including verified Washtenaw County providers, who they help, what cases they take, and how to prepare before reaching out.
Legal Aid in Ann Arbor, MI: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Ann Arbor and need civil legal help but cannot afford a private attorney, several trusted organizations serve Washtenaw County residents. These groups help with eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence, family law, debt collection, consumer protection, elder law, and public-benefits issues. Even if full representation isn’t available, many can provide brief advice, clinics, helplines, or self-help tools. (Residents may also upload legal papers to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Ann Arbor
Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) — Washtenaw County Office
What they do: LSSCM is the main civil legal-aid provider for Ann Arbor residents. They help with eviction defense, landlord/tenant disputes, domestic violence protection orders, limited family-law issues (custody, divorce, child support), debt collection, elder law, benefits problems (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI), and consumer issues.
Contact: Phone: (734) 665-6181. Website: lsscm.org.
Michigan Legal Help — Statewide Self-Help Center
What they do: Provides free legal information, DIY forms, and step-by-step instructions for housing problems, divorce, custody, debt issues, small claims, and Personal Protection Orders (PPOs). This is the primary self-help option for Michigan residents who do not qualify for full legal aid.
Website: michiganlegalhelp.org.
SafeHouse Center — Domestic & Sexual Violence Services
What they do: Provides emergency shelter, crisis support, counseling, safety planning, and help filing PPOs for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. They offer advocacy during court processes but not full legal representation.
24/7 Crisis Line: (734) 995-5444. Website: safehousecenter.org.
Washtenaw County Friend of the Court
What they do: Assists with custody, child support, and parenting-time procedures. They offer forms and guidance but cannot provide legal advice.
Website: washtenaw.org.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service
What they do: Helps connect residents with private attorneys who provide low-cost initial consultations if legal aid cannot take the case.
Website: lrs.michbar.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Ann Arbor
- Evictions and landlord/tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing
- Debt collection, garnishment, repossession, and consumer fraud
- Foreclosure and mortgage issues
- Domestic violence, stalking, and Personal Protection Orders
- Family law: custody, parenting time, child support, divorce (limited eligibility)
- Public benefits: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, unemployment
- Elder law: abuse, exploitation, guardianship
- Education rights for students with disabilities
What Legal Aid Usually Does Not Handle
- Criminal cases (felony, misdemeanor, DUI)
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration court representation
When Ann Arbor Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court summons: contact LSSCM immediately — eviction cases move quickly.
- You experience domestic violence: SafeHouse Center’s 24/7 hotline can assist with emergency shelter and PPO filings.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: keep every document — deadlines are short.
- Your public benefits are denied or cut off: appeals often must be filed within 10–30 days.
- You have a pending court hearing: reaching out early increases the chance of getting help.
How to Prepare Before Calling or Applying
- Gather important documents: leases, notices, court papers, benefit denials, debt letters, ID, pay stubs, photos of unsafe housing, police reports, medical documents.
- Create a simple timeline: list key dates like notices, incidents, payments, and communications.
- Prepare income & household info: legal aid will need this to screen for eligibility.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences explaining your legal issue and the type of help you’re seeking.
- Note urgent factors: homelessness risk, domestic violence, disabilities, seniors or children affected, upcoming hearings.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Michigan Legal Help: free self-help guides and DIY forms for many common legal matters.
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: connects you to private attorneys who offer low-cost initial consultations.
- Limited-scope attorneys: many Ann Arbor lawyers offer affordable assistance for specific tasks.
- LegalClarity document-explainer tool: upload legal paperwork for a plain-language explanation — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Ann Arbor Residents Should Start
If you need free or low-cost civil legal help in Ann Arbor, begin by contacting Legal Services of South Central Michigan at (734) 665-6181. For domestic or sexual violence emergencies, SafeHouse Center provides immediate support and help with PPOs. When legal aid cannot take your case, statewide self-help tools and your LegalClarity upload feature can help you understand your documents — informational only, not legal advice.