Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Lansing, MI — including verified legal-aid providers, who they help, what cases they take, and how to prepare before reaching out.
Legal Aid in Lansing, MI: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Lansing and cannot afford a private attorney, several organizations offer free or low-cost civil legal help in Ingham County. These groups assist with eviction defense, domestic violence, debt collection, consumer issues, family law, public benefits, elder law, and more. Even if full representation is not available, most offer brief advice, self-help tools, or legal clinics. (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 Lansing
Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) — Lansing Office
What they do: LSSCM provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of Ingham County. They help with eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence protection orders, family-law issues (custody, divorce, child support — eligibility varies), debt collection, consumer problems, public-benefits disputes, elder law, and more.
Contact: Phone: (517) 394-3121. Website: lsscm.org.
Michigan Legal Help — Statewide Self-Help Tools
What they do: Provides free legal forms, step-by-step guides, and plain-language explanations for issues such as housing, divorce, custody, debt collection, small claims, and Personal Protection Orders (PPOs).
Website: michiganlegalhelp.org.
EVE, Inc. — Domestic Violence Support
What they do: Offers emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, court advocacy, and assistance filing PPOs. EVE helps survivors navigate the legal system and connect to safety resources.
24/7 Hotline: (517) 372-5572. Website: eveinc.org.
Ingham County Friend of the Court
What they do: Helps with child support, custody, and parenting-time processes. They provide forms and procedural guidance but cannot offer legal advice or representation.
Website: foc.ingham.org.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service
What they do: Connects residents to private attorneys who offer low-cost initial consultations when legal aid cannot take a case.
Website: lrs.michbar.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Lansing
- Evictions and landlord/tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions
- Debt collection, garnishment, repossession, and consumer fraud
- Foreclosure and mortgage problems
- Domestic violence, stalking, and Personal Protection Orders
- Family law: custody, parenting time, divorce, child support (limited eligibility)
- Public benefits: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, unemployment
- Elder law: exploitation, benefits access, guardianship
- School discipline and education rights
What Legal Aid Usually Does Not Handle
- Criminal cases (felony, misdemeanor, DUI)
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration detention or removal defense
When Lansing Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court date: Michigan eviction cases move quickly — contact LSSCM immediately.
- You experience domestic violence: EVE’s 24/7 hotline can provide emergency support and PPO help.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: keep all documents — deadlines are strict.
- Your benefits are denied or reduced: appeals often must be filed within 10–30 days.
- You have an upcoming hearing: contacting legal aid early improves your chances of receiving help.
How to Prepare Before Calling or Applying
- Gather documents: leases, eviction notices, debt letters, benefit denials, court papers, ID, pay stubs, police reports, photos of unsafe conditions, and communication records.
- Create a timeline: include key dates for notices, payments, incidents, or communication.
- Prepare income & household information: legal aid uses this to determine eligibility.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences describing your issue and the type of help you’re seeking.
- Highlight urgent factors: homelessness risk, domestic violence, disabilities, elderly or children involved, or upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Michigan Legal Help: free self-help guides and DIY forms for housing, family law, and debt issues.
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: connects you with private attorneys for low-cost consultations.
- Limited-scope attorneys: many Lansing-area lawyers offer reduced-fee services for specific tasks.
- LegalClarity document-explainer tool: upload your paperwork for a simple, plain-English explanation — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Lansing Residents Should Start
If you need free or low-cost civil legal help in Lansing, start by contacting Legal Services of South Central Michigan at (517) 394-3121. For domestic violence emergencies, EVE, Inc. provides immediate support and PPO assistance. 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.