Free Legal Help for Bankruptcy
Legal aid organizations, law school clinics, pro bono programs, and online tools
If you cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, you are not limited to filing entirely on your own. Several types of organizations provide free or low-cost bankruptcy assistance. Knowing where to look can make the difference between a successful case and a dismissed one.
Legal Aid Organizations
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Programs
The Legal Services Corporation is a federally funded organization that supports legal aid offices across the country. LSC-funded programs provide free civil legal assistance, including bankruptcy representation, to qualifying low-income individuals.
- Find your local office: LawHelp.org -- the national directory of legal aid programs
- Income limits: Typically 125% to 200% of federal poverty guidelines (roughly $18,000-$30,000 annually for a single person in 2026)
- What they provide: Full representation in many cases -- an attorney handles your entire bankruptcy case from filing through discharge
- Limitations: High demand and limited capacity mean waitlists are common. Some offices only take simple Chapter 7 cases.
Local Bar Association Referrals
Your state or local bar association typically operates a lawyer referral service. While not free, many offer:
- Reduced-fee initial consultations ($25-50 for a 30-minute consultation)
- Pro bono referrals for qualifying individuals
- Panels of attorneys who accept reduced-fee cases
Search for "[your city] bar association lawyer referral" to find your local service.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
How Clinics Work
Many law schools operate bankruptcy clinics where supervised law students handle cases at no cost to the client. These are not form-filling services -- they provide full legal representation under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
- Quality: Cases receive extensive attention because they are teaching tools -- students are closely supervised and motivated
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: Usually income-based, similar to legal aid limits
- Capacity: Limited. Clinics can only take a certain number of cases per semester
- Finding one: Search for "[your state] law school bankruptcy clinic" or check with your local bankruptcy court
Pro Bono Programs
Volunteer Attorney Programs
Many bankruptcy courts and bar associations organize pro bono programs where private attorneys volunteer to represent low-income filers for free. These programs vary widely by district:
- Some provide full representation
- Some offer limited-scope help (petition review, 341 meeting appearance)
- Some operate as "brief advice clinics" where you get a one-time consultation
Ask your local bankruptcy court clerk's office if any pro bono programs are available in your district.
Online Tools
Upsolve
Upsolve is a nonprofit that provides a free online tool to help low-income filers prepare Chapter 7 bankruptcy petitions. It walks you through the forms step by step and generates a completed petition packet you can file with the court. Upsolve has helped thousands of people file Chapter 7 pro se.
- Cost: Free
- Chapter 7 only: Upsolve does not support Chapter 13 filings
- Limitations: Works best for simple cases. If your case involves a business, real estate, or complex asset issues, you need an attorney
How to Choose the Right Resource
- Simple Chapter 7, very low income: Legal aid office or Upsolve
- Chapter 7 with some complexity: Law school clinic or legal aid
- Chapter 13: Legal aid office with full representation capacity -- do not file Chapter 13 pro se
- Need quick advice: Bar association referral or brief advice clinic
- Already filed and having problems: Legal aid or pro bono program in your district