Legal Resources
Below is a compilation of organizations that may be able to help with your legal matter. Please note, Children’s Law Center does not endorse any of these agencies, and we cannot guarantee that they will be able to accept your case.
Legal Issue Area
DC Resource Bridge (DCRB)
The DC Resource Bridge is a one-stop service that makes it easier for District residents to access free or low-cost civil legal help. Built in collaboration with a wide network of legal service providers, the DC Resource Bridge is designed to make access to justice simpler, fairer, and more effective. The DCRB is a free referral and navigation service that helps DC residents find legal aid based on their individual needs. Call (202) 933-HELP (4357) or Online Intake
If You Have a Legal Issue Outside of DC
Adult Guardianship and Supported Decision Making
Guardianship Cases
Probate Resource Center (to file yourself):
- Appointments recommended via Phone (202)879-9460 or online
- Court Building A (515 5th St. NW) Room 316
- Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm, with closure from 12 noon-1pm for lunch
Alternatives to Guardianship
Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities:
Providing individual representation to people with developmental disabilities on issues involving capacity, self-determination, and alternatives to guardianship; disability discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations; and transition-age services for young adults still eligible for special education services.
- 202-448-1450 or online intake form
Access to Healthcare
Assistive Technology & Medical Equipment
DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP):
The DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) helps DC residents with disabilities and seniors increase their independence and access to the community with assistive technology (AT).
- Call (202)547-0198
DC Assistive Technology Resource Center:
Allow individuals to explore assistive technology devices that may increase their independence and functional capability.
- Call (202)547-0198 ext. 137 or email at democenter@uls-dc.org.
DC Shares (Durable Medical Equipment Recycling):
Provides free durable medical equipment to DC residents with income levels below $30,000 per year.
- (202)332-2595 or email at rtaylor@uls-dc.org
DC FUNDS (Alternative Financing Program):
This federally funded program allows DC residents to borrow money at a very low interest rate in order to purchase much-needed assistive technology devices.
- (202) 527-7036 ext. 105 or email at drucker@uls-dc.org
Equipment Connections for Children:
Supplies adaptative equipment for children living with disabilities.
- Call (240) 801-9965 or How it works
Public Benefits (SSI, TANF, SNAP)
Helps individuals facing problems with getting or keeping public benefits, like TANF, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.
- Call (202) 386 – 7616
Catholic Charities Legal Network
Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Public Benefits
- Apply online at Intake
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Criminal Law
Public Defender Services Duty Day Program:
The PDS Duty Day Program provides free walk-in and telephone assistance for a variety of legal and collateral matters, including arrest warrants, grand jury representation, reentry, confinement preparation, civil commitment issues, and referrals to mental health, immigration, and social service resources. When direct assistance is not available, the program can provide referrals to appropriate community services and legal resources.
- Call (202) 628-1200 or toll-free (800) 341-2582;
- Call-in Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding federal and District holidays)
- Walk-in (in-person) Hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (excluding federal and District holidays) 633 3rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
Reentry, Record Sealing & Expungement
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Expungement/Criminal Record Sealing
- Online Intake: https://intake.legalaiddc.org/.
Record Sealing
- Online Intake: https://www.risingforjustice.org/get-help/intake.html.
- Apply by telephone at – Record Sealing Program: (202) 607 – 2721
- Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Family Law
Parent-to-parent custody and child support | Non-Parent Caregiver custody, child guardianship, or adoption for children
Legal services to relative caregivers in court to obtain custody of and to adopt at-risk D.C. children; represent them in applying for benefits and services to ensure a safe and stable home.
- Call (202)-505-5803
Free legal services for parents who are facing a crisis, an investigation, tax credit problems, or a family legal issue, you are not alone
Catholic Charities Legal Network
Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325
Family Law Assistance Network
This organization can provide limited legal assistance in family law matters.
- DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Ave, Room 1195
- Monday – Friday 9 AM-3 PM
DC Superior Court Family Law Self-Help Center
This self-help center provides information about the family law court process but cannot provide any legal advice.
- 500 Indiana Ave., NW – JM-570
- Mondays-Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (No new intakes after 4:30 p.m.)
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Family Law
- Apply online at Intake
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Immigration
An online guide that helps immigrant families prepare for immigration emergencies by providing information about legal rights, childcare and financial planning, and referrals to legal and community resources.
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Immigration
- Online Intake: https://intake.legalaiddc.org/.
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Immigration
- Apply online at Intake
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
Immigrants who are detained and at risk of deportation may qualify for free services. We provide services to immigrants in DC, Maryland and Virginia (regardless of where they are being detained).
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 331 – 3329
- Apply online at Intake
Immigration Power of Attorney
Employment & Workers’ Rights
Workers’ Rights Clinic – The Washington Lawyers’ Committee
The clinic provides advice on all areas of employment law at the clinic, including unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, family and medical leave act (FMLA) violations, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, unlawful discrimination and harassment, barriers to employment based on arrest and conviction record, and wrongful termination.
- Weekly Workers’ Rights Clinics are held every Wednesday in-person at Bread for the City’s Northwest location (1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001). At weekly Wednesday clinics, walk-ins are accepted from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 319-1040
Catholic Charities Legal Network
Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Employment
- Apply online at Intake
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Consumer Protection, Debt & Bankruptcy
Catholic Charities Legal Network
Consumer debt and bankruptcy. Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Consumer Law
- Online Intake: https://intake.legalaiddc.org/.
Probate, Estate Planning & Elder Law
Catholic Charities Legal Network
Serves low-income families and individuals with Public Benefits concerns whose earnings are equal to or less than 250 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. Estate planning: Wills, advanced health care directives and power of attorney.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 350 – 4305 // En Español: (202) 772 – 4325
Provides affordable legal assistance with estate planning and probate matters, including wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and estate administration for individuals who may not qualify for free legal services.
- Apply by phone at: (202) 844- 5430 or email info@dcaffordablelaw.org
*Must be 60 years old or turn 60 by the end of the calendar year*
Eviction, foreclosures, public benefits, Veterans benefits, advocacy for nursing home residents, wills, power of attorney.
- Legal Hotline: (202) 434-2170
Neighborhood Legal Services Program
Probate and Estate Planning
- Apply online at Intake
- Apply by Telephone: (202) 832- 6577
- Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Virginia
Housing, Employment, Immigration, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Citizenship
- CASA’s Legal Hotline at 1-866-765-2272
Family Law, Domestic abuse/violence, debit/credit, employment, housing, landlord/tenant, evictions, Elder Law/Wills, Immigration
- To schedule an appointment: https://www.goodsamaritanadvocates.org/help
- Choose the clinic nearest to where you live
Civil, Family/DV, Employee, Housing, Elderly Only
- Call (703) 778-6800
- Monday through Thursday – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Online at https://lsnv.org/get-help/how-do-i-apply/onlineapplication/
Northern Virginia Family Services
Immigration Legal services, Community Health, youth and family Services, Mental Health & Trauma recovery
- (571) 748 – 2500 or email at INFO@NVFS.org.
Maryland
Community Legal Services of PG County (CLS)
Divorce, custody, Child support, Visitation, domestic violence, Guardianship, Foreclosure Prevention, Landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, expungements, advance directive, wills
- Apply online: https://www.legal-trak.com/OnlineInTake/OnlineInTake/3?skipPayment=true.
- Apply by telephone: 240-391-6370 • MD Relay 800-735-2258
- Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Apply by telephone: 240-391-6370 • MD Relay 800-735-2258
Housing, Workers’ Rights, Family Law, Domestic Abuse, Economic Stability/ Support, access to health care, Wills and Estates
- Online Intake: https://mdlaboi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=129&h=daa817&.
- Apply by telephone: 888-465-2468
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
Housing, Special Education, Income Tax, Family, Estate Planning and Administration, Criminal Record Relief, Consumer
- Online intake: https://mdoi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=126&h=305b29.
- Apply by telephone: (800)-510-0500
- Monday through Thursday, 9 am – 12 pm
Montgomery County Bar Association
Absolute Divorce, Separation Agreements, Custody, Adoption/Guardianship, Simple Name Changes, Bankruptcy (Simple Chapter 7), Limited Debt Collection Defense, Private Landlord Tenant (Security Deposits Only), Limited Immigration cases (Simple Change of Status), Limited Employment cases (Wage Claims), Wills and Powers of Attorney
- Apply by telephone: (301) 424-7651
- Monday – Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm