Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Greensboro, NC — including verified legal-aid providers, eligibility rules, common case types, and how to prepare before applying. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Greensboro, NC: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Greensboro and cannot afford a private attorney, several local and statewide organizations offer free or low-cost civil legal help. These organizations assist with eviction defense, landlord–tenant disputes, domestic violence, family law matters, debt and consumer problems, immigration-related civil issues, elder law, disability benefits, and public-benefits appeals. Even when full representation is unavailable, many providers offer advice clinics, workshops, or referrals. (You may also upload documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Greensboro
Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) — Greensboro Office
What they do: LANC is the primary free civil legal-aid provider for Guilford County. They assist with eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence protective orders, family law (custody, visitation, support), consumer issues, debt collection, public-benefits denials, unemployment benefits, disability appeals, and immigration-related civil matters.
Contact: Phone: (866) 219-5262. Website: legalaidnc.org.
Guilford County Family Justice Center
What they do: Provides comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and family abuse. Services include legal advocacy, safety planning, assistance with protective orders, and court accompaniment.
Contact: Greensboro location: (336) 641-7233. Website: guilfordcountync.gov.
Elon University School of Law — Legal Clinics
What they do: Provides free or low-cost legal help through supervised law-student clinics. Areas vary but may include housing, domestic violence advocacy, criminal record expunctions, elder law, and community legal education.
Contact: Phone: (336) 279-9200. Website: elon.edu/u/law.
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV)
What they do: Offers legal advocacy, safety planning, and statewide resources for survivors of domestic violence.
Contact: Phone: (919) 956-9124. Website: nccadv.org.
North Carolina Courts — Self-Help Center
What they do: Provides free court forms and procedural guides for landlord–tenant cases, family law, domestic violence protective orders, small claims, and more. No legal advice.
Website: nccourts.gov/help
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Greensboro
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions
- Domestic violence protective orders and safety planning
- Family law: custody, visitation, child support
- Debt collection, garnishment, and consumer fraud
- Public-benefits denials (Food & Nutrition, Medicaid, disability benefits)
- Unemployment insurance appeals
- Immigration-related civil matters (non-deportation)
- Elder-law issues including exploitation or eviction
- Record expunction assistance (varies by clinic)
What Greensboro Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense matters
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial disputes
- Immigration removal/deportation cases
- Complex or high-asset family law litigation
When Greensboro Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court summons: Guilford County eviction timelines move quickly — contact LANC immediately.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call the Family Justice Center for crisis support and legal advocacy.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: Deadlines are strict — save all documents.
- Your benefits are denied or reduced: You may need to appeal quickly.
- Your home is unsafe or the landlord won’t make repairs: Document issues and seek help.
- Seniors facing eviction or financial exploitation: Legal-aid programs may be available.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather key documents: leases, notices, repair logs, photos of unsafe housing, debt letters, benefit denials, ID, pay stubs, and any court papers.
- Create a timeline: record when each notice, payment, repair request, or incident occurred.
- Prepare financial information: household size, monthly income, benefits, and expenses.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences describing your legal issue.
- Highlight urgent factors: homelessness risk, domestic violence, disability, children involved, or upcoming court dates.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Guilford County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: low-cost consultations with private attorneys.
- NC Courts Self-Help Center: free procedural guides and downloadable forms.
- Elon Law community clinics: periodic pro bono events.
- LegalClarity document upload tool: receive a plain-English explanation (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Greensboro Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Greensboro and cannot afford a lawyer, begin with Legal Aid of North Carolina at (866) 219-5262. For domestic violence emergencies, contact the Guilford County Family Justice Center immediately. If you do not qualify for free legal support, use the Bar Association’s referral service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.