Meta: A 2025 plain-language guide to free and low-cost civil legal aid in Clarksville, Tennessee — including verified local and statewide providers, eligibility information, and preparation steps. Not legal advice.
Legal Aid in Clarksville, TN: Where to Get Help If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
If you live in Clarksville and cannot afford a private attorney, several nonprofit and statewide organizations offer free or low-cost civil legal services. These programs help with housing and eviction defense, family law, domestic violence, benefits disputes, and consumer debt. (You can also upload legal documents to LegalClarity for a plain-English explanation — informational only, not legal advice.)
Major Legal Aid Providers Serving Clarksville
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LASMTC) — Clarksville Office
What they do: LASMTC is the primary provider of civil legal aid in Clarksville and Montgomery County. Services include housing and eviction defense, family law, domestic violence protection orders, consumer issues, debt collection defense, elder law, and benefits appeals (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid). The Clarksville office also runs community legal clinics and veterans’ outreach programs.
Who they help: Low-income individuals, seniors, veterans, and domestic violence survivors meeting income guidelines (typically under 125% of the federal poverty level).
Contact: 120 Franklin Street, Suite 103, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: (931) 552-6656. Toll-free: 1-800-238-1443. Website: las.org.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) — Help4TN
What they do: Operates the statewide legal helpline and website Help4TN.org. Residents can call 1-844-HELP4TN to get free legal information, referrals, and help with housing, family law, and benefits issues.
Who they help: All Tennessee residents, including those in Montgomery County, seeking free legal guidance or connections to local aid offices.
Contact: Phone: 1-844-HELP4TN (1-844-435-7486). Website: help4tn.org.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) — Statewide Programs
What they do: Provides civil legal services in eastern and central Tennessee, including outreach and online resources accessible statewide. They offer guides on housing rights, consumer protection, and family law matters.
Who they help: Tennessee residents seeking free legal education and resources.
Website: laet.org.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee — Domestic Violence Support
What they do: Offers crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and stalking. Partners with LASMTC to assist with protective orders and legal representation.
Who they help: Survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence across Middle Tennessee, including Clarksville residents.
Contact: 24-hour Crisis Line: (615) 242-1199. Website: ywcanashville.com.
Montgomery County Veterans Service Office
What they do: Provides veterans with assistance filing claims, appealing VA decisions, and accessing legal aid or benefits advocacy. Refers veterans to free or reduced-cost legal programs.
Who they help: Veterans and military families living in Clarksville and Fort Campbell areas.
Contact: 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 307, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: (931) 553-5173. Website: mcgtn.org/vso.
Common Civil-Legal Issues Covered in Clarksville
- Eviction defense and landlord–tenant disputes
- Domestic violence and protective orders
- Custody, visitation, and child support
- Consumer and debt collection defense
- Public-benefits denials (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
- Elder law and exploitation prevention
- Veterans’ benefits and housing issues
What Clarksville Legal Aid Usually Cannot Handle
- Criminal defense or traffic cases
- Personal injury or malpractice lawsuits
- Business or corporate litigation
- High-asset or contested divorce actions
When Clarksville Residents Should Seek Help Immediately
- You receive an eviction notice or summons: Contact LASMTC at (931) 552-6656 — deadlines are short.
- You experience domestic or sexual violence: Call YWCA’s 24-hour Crisis Line or 911 in an emergency.
- Your benefits are denied or terminated: File an appeal quickly with LASMTC’s assistance.
- You receive debt-collection papers: Contact LASMTC or Help4TN for guidance before your court date.
- You are a veteran or senior facing eviction: Contact the Montgomery County Veterans Service Office for local legal support options.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Legal Aid
- Gather documents: Leases, court papers, benefit-denial letters, and identification.
- Write a summary: Describe your legal problem in 2–3 sentences.
- List key dates: Deadlines, notices, or hearing dates.
- Provide proof of income: Pay stubs, unemployment, or benefits records.
- Highlight urgent issues: Eviction risk, violence, or loss of benefits.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify for Free Legal Aid
- Low-cost attorneys: Contact the Montgomery County Bar Association for referrals. (las.org)
- Self-help resources: Visit Help4TN.org for free forms and guides.
- LegalClarity tools: Upload your documents for plain-English explanations — informational only.
Conclusion: Where Clarksville Residents Should Start
If you need civil legal help in Clarksville and cannot afford a lawyer, start by contacting Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands at (931) 552-6656. For legal information or referrals, call the statewide Help4TN Helpline at 1-844-HELP4TN. Survivors of domestic violence should reach out to the YWCA Crisis Line. Veterans can contact the Montgomery County Veterans Service Office. If you don’t qualify for free help, visit Help4TN.org or upload your documents to LegalClarity for a plain-language explanation — informational only, not legal advice.