Meta: A 2026 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Wilmington, NC — including verified providers, who they help, what cases they handle, and how to prepare before reaching out. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Wilmington, NC: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Wilmington and cannot afford a private attorney, several local and statewide providers 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 issues, public-benefits problems, disability benefits, elder law, and immigration-related civil issues. Many also provide clinics, workshops, and guidance for self-represented individuals. (You may upload documents to the LegalClarity tool for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Wilmington
Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) — Wilmington Office
What they do: The primary free civil legal-aid provider for New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. They handle eviction defense, unsafe housing, domestic violence protective orders, custody and child support issues, consumer and debt matters, unemployment appeals, disability benefits, public-benefits denial appeals, and limited civil immigration matters.
Contact: Phone: (866) 219-5262. Website: legalaidnc.org.
New Hanover County Domestic Violence Shelter & Services (DVSS)
What they do: Provides legal advocacy, protective-order assistance, court accompaniment, safety planning, and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence.
Contact: 24/7 hotline: (910) 343-0703. Website: domesticviolence-wilm.org.
UNC School of Law — Civil Legal Clinics (serving Coastal NC)
What they do: UNC law clinics periodically offer remote or regional legal services for housing issues, expunctions, disability benefits, consumer matters, and civil rights advocacy. Availability varies by semester.
Website: law.unc.edu
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV)
What they do: Provides support, resources, legal education, and safety planning for survivors throughout the state.
Contact: Phone: (919) 956-9124. Website: nccadv.org.
North Carolina Courts — Self-Help Center
What they do: Offers free official court forms and step-by-step guides for evictions, family law, protective orders, small claims, and more. No legal advice.
Website: nccourts.gov/help
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Wilmington
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Unsafe or uninhabitable living conditions
- Domestic violence protective orders and crisis supports
- Family law: custody, visitation, child support
- Debt collection, garnishment, credit-report errors, and consumer fraud
- Public-benefits denials (Food & Nutrition, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI)
- Unemployment insurance appeals
- Civil immigration matters (not deportation)
- Elder-law and senior exploitation issues
- Record expunction (varies by provider)
What Wilmington Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense cases
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or commercial litigation
- Immigration deportation/removal defense
- Complex or high-asset family-law disputes
When Wilmington Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or eviction court papers: Cases move quickly — contact LANC right away.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call the DVSS hotline for emergency legal advocacy.
- You receive garnishment or debt-collection paperwork: Deadlines are strict — save all documents.
- Your benefits are denied or reduced: Some appeals must be filed quickly.
- Your home is unsafe or the landlord refuses to make repairs: Document issues with photos and written requests.
- Seniors facing eviction or financial exploitation: Elder-law resources may be available.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather key documents: leases, eviction notices, repair logs, photos, debt letters, benefit denials, ID, pay stubs, medical/disability records, and court paperwork.
- Create a timeline: note dates of notices, rent payments, repairs, communication, and incidents.
- Prepare financial information: income, household size, benefits, and expenses — required for eligibility.
- Write a short summary: 2–3 sentences explaining your legal issue.
- Highlight urgent factors: eviction risk, domestic violence, disability, children involved, or upcoming hearings.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- New Hanover County Bar Association Lawyer Referral: low-cost consultations with private attorneys.
- NC Courts Self-Help Center: free, court-approved forms and instructions.
- Community legal clinics: periodic pro bono events offered by LANC and local partners.
- LegalClarity document upload tool: get a plain-English explanation (informational only).
Conclusion: Where Wilmington Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Wilmington and cannot afford a lawyer, begin by contacting Legal Aid of North Carolina at (866) 219-5262. For domestic violence emergencies, call the New Hanover County DVSS hotline. If you do not qualify for free services, try the Bar Association referral service or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.