Meta: A 2025 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in North Charleston, South Carolina — including verified local providers, who qualifies, and what to expect when applying for help. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in North Charleston, SC: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in North Charleston and cannot afford a private attorney, several statewide and local organizations provide free or low-cost legal help for civil cases. These groups assist with eviction defense, family law, domestic violence, benefits appeals, debt collection, and elder law. (You can also upload your legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving North Charleston
South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) — Charleston Office
What they do: SCLS is the statewide civil legal-aid organization serving low-income South Carolinians. The Charleston regional office covers North Charleston and surrounding counties, helping with housing issues, evictions, domestic violence protective orders, custody, child support, debt collection, and public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI/SSDI).
Who they help: Low-income individuals, seniors, veterans, and survivors of abuse who meet income eligibility guidelines (typically 125% of the federal poverty level or below).
Contact: 6301 Rivers Avenue, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC 29406. Phone: (843) 720-7044. Toll-free: 1-888-720-2320. Website: sclegal.org.
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services
What they do: Provides free legal representation to low-income residents of Charleston County, including North Charleston. They handle family law, housing disputes, consumer debt, and estate-planning issues. The organization also runs community legal clinics and educational workshops.
Who they help: Residents of Charleston County who meet financial-eligibility requirements for free legal aid.
Contact: 111 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Phone: (843) 853-6456. Website: charlestonprobono.org.
One80 Place Legal Services
What they do: Offers free civil legal help to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in North Charleston. Services include eviction prevention, veterans' benefits, and employment or income-stability issues.
Who they help: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Contact: 35 Walnut Street, Charleston, SC 29403. Phone: (843) 737-8357. Website: one80place.org.
My Sister’s House — Legal Advocacy Program
What they do: Provides legal advocacy, referrals, and protective-order assistance for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They also offer safety planning and court accompaniment.
Who they help: Survivors of domestic or sexual violence in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
Contact: 1431 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406. 24-hour hotline: (843) 744-3242. Website: mysistershouse.org.
Trident Literacy Association — Legal Literacy and Tenant Workshops
What they do: Offers free workshops in partnership with SCLS and Charleston Pro Bono to help residents understand leases, eviction notices, and consumer rights. Programs also include financial and legal literacy education.
Who they help: Low- and moderate-income adults in Charleston County.
Contact: 5416 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406. Phone: (843) 747-2223. Website: tridentlit.org.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in North Charleston
- Eviction defense and unsafe housing conditions
- Landlord–tenant disputes and repairs
- Domestic violence and protective orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Debt collection, garnishment, and credit reporting
- Public-benefits problems (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, unemployment)
- Wills, powers of attorney, and elder law
- Veterans’ benefits and homelessness prevention
What North Charleston Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic cases
- Personal-injury or malpractice claims
- Business or commercial disputes
- High-asset divorce or property division cases
When North Charleston Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or court complaint: Contact SCLS or One80 Place Legal Services immediately.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call My Sister’s House’s 24-hour hotline for immediate help.
- Your benefits were denied or cut off: File an appeal as soon as possible — legal aid can assist.
- You receive debt-collection or garnishment papers: Contact Charleston Pro Bono or SCLS for guidance.
- You are a veteran or senior facing eviction: Ask One80 Place about special legal-aid programs.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: Leases, eviction notices, benefit-denial letters, pay stubs, and ID.
- Write a summary: Describe your legal issue and the help you need.
- List key dates: Deadlines, hearings, or notice dates.
- Provide income proof: Pay stubs or benefit statements for eligibility screening.
- Highlight urgent issues: Eviction, domestic violence, or loss of income.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Low-cost attorneys: The Charleston County Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service. (charlestoncountybar.org)
- Community workshops: Attend Trident Literacy’s legal-literacy programs or SCLS events.
- Self-help resources: Visit LawHelp.org/SC for guides and court-approved forms.
- LegalClarity tools: Upload documents for plain-English explanations — informational only.
Conclusion: Where North Charleston Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in North Charleston and cannot afford an attorney, begin by contacting South Carolina Legal Services at (843) 720-7044. For eviction or homelessness prevention, reach out to One80 Place Legal Services. For domestic violence assistance, call My Sister’s House at (843) 744-3242. If you don’t qualify for free services, contact the Charleston County Bar Association for low-cost referrals or use LegalClarity’s tools for plain-language explanations — informational only, not legal advice.