English
EspañolTexas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) provides free legal services to low-income residents in sixty-eight counties of Southwest Texas. The Harlingen office serves Cameron and Willacy counties. The majority of TRLA clients are low-income women and children who are victims of domestic violence and who need assistance in escaping violence and remaining violence-free. To qualify for free legal services from TRLA, an applicant must meet the income, asset, and immigration requirements established by the United States Congress, the Texas Legislature, and other funding sources. TRLA will always attempt to find a funding source that will permit representation for persons who are unable to afford the services of a private attorney. They provide services in English and Spanish.
Legal Assistance
Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims of abuse and others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer who you can consult with to get advice. Please note that we list the organizations below by the town/city where the office is located – however, many offices may likely serve multiple towns/counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click “View All” to look through the complete list of organizations. To search for resources by county, you can check out the Texas Law Help Legal Help Finder.
Harlingen
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. (Harligen office)
Houston
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) provides services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse, regardless of income level. Services include legal representation for protective orders, divorce, child support, and child custody, crisis intervention, advocacy and support, financial assistance for emergency shelter, food, transportation and more, individual and group counseling for survivors and their children, as well as funds for education and training. AVDA serves Harris County.
Houston Bar Association LegalLine
The Houston Bar Association LegalLine is a free telephone hotline for residents of Harris County who have legal questions. LegalLine takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Houston Refugee Pro Bono Project
Intakes are on Wednesdays between 9am and 12pm. No appointment is necessary. Consultations are $40 unless you are a victim of domestic violence or seeking asylum.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
They provide free legal aid to low-income residents of Harris County by connecting them with volunteer lawyers. They assist with cases regarding family law, guardianship, estate planning, probate, tax disputes with the IRS, landlord/tenant disputes, homeownership and consumer/bankruptcy.
Legal Advocacy and Outreach
Provides free legal services. Call to make an appointment with an advocate for a legal intake.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Lone Star Legal Aid provides legal services, including representation, to low income residents of 72 counties in Texas from 12 offices. The Houston office serves Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties. They provide services for a variety of legal issues including issues regarding domestic violence and family law. Lone Star Legal Aid will provide assistance to those with limited English skills.
Lone Star Legal Aid (Houston Branch Office)
Lone Star Legal Aid provides legal services, including representation, to low income residents of 72 counties in Texas from 12 offices. The Houston office serves Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties. They provide services for a variety of legal issues including issues regarding domestic violence and family law. Lone Star Legal Aid will provide assistance to those with limited English skills.
University of Houston Law Center
Call ahead to find out if the clinic is taking cases.
