Free Legal Aid in Indianapolis
Last updated: September 26, 2013
Do you have a legal issue, but can’t afford to hire an attorney? There are many free or low-cost legal service options for Marion county residents. The main ways are through legal assistance programs such as the Indiana Legal Services, a nonprofit law firms providing free legal aid to low-income residents, or through other programs run by the Indiana State Bar Association. There may be income limits that apply for you to qualify for free/low-cost help. Contact the specific agency to learn more. Below is a list of several organizations available to help you.
General Law
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American Civil Liberties Union of Indianapolis
1031 E. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Tel: (317) 635-4059 ext. 102Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.
Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges.
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Ask a Lawyer (Indiana Bar Association)
135 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 1500
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 269-2000Areas of Law: Criminal and Civil
Good to Know: This is a one-day event put on by the state bar. You can meet with an attorney to ask basic legal questions for free. Call to find specific dates and times.
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Heartland Pro Bono Council
151 North Delaware, Suite 1800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 614-5304Areas of Law: Civil and Family Law
Good to Know: Heartland provides legal assistance to income-eligible clients.
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Indiana Legal Services
151 North Delaware, Suite 1800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 631-9410Areas of Law: Family law, Consumer law, Senior law, Housing issues, Public benefits, Migrant Farm Workers, Homeless Representation, Immigration
Good to Know: This is a nonprofit law firm serving low-income residents of Marion County. Legal fees are based upon income. Call for more details.
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Indianapolis Legal Aid Society (William E. English Building)
615 N. Alabama, Suite 122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 635-9538Areas of Law: Bankruptcy, Domestic Violence, Family law, Consumer law, Senior law, Housing issues, Public benefits Good to Know: Legal services are free for those who are income-eligible. A person who does not financially qualify for representation is referred panel of private attorneys who accept cases from on a reduced-fee basis.
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Indianapolis Bar Association Legal Aid Line
135 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 1500
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 269-2000Areas of Law: Most areas of the law are covered by the aid line.
Good to Know: Volunteer attorneys are available to answer basic legal questions via phone free of charge. Hours are limited.
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Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
3333 N Meridian Street, Suite 201
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tel: (317) 429-4131Areas of Law: Landlord/Tenant, Immigration, Bankruptcy, Housing/Foreclosure, Wills/Estates, Public Benefits, Discrimination, Consumer/Debt, Tax Controversies Criminal Records Expungement, Driver’s License Issues, Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Good to Know: This clinic does not accept family law or criminal cases. All services are on a first come, first served basis. Arrive early. Space is limited.
Bankruptcy
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Bankruptcy Legal Help Line (Indiana Bar Association)
135 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 1500
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Tel: (317) 269-1910Good to Know: This is a telephone only service. You may call for free legal advice during designated times.
Civil Rights
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NAACP Indiana (Branch Office)
300 E. Fall Creek Parkway North Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Tel: (317)925-5127Areas of Law: Civil Rights, Employment, Housing, Public Benefits, Police Misconduct, and more.
Good to Know: Legal services are available to low-income African Americans and other minority groups.
Domestic Violence and Family Law
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Protective Order Pro Bono Project (Center for Victim and Human Rights)
201 N. Illinois Street, 16th Floor, South Tower
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 610-3427Area of Law: Domestic Violence
Good to Know: This is a free legal services to victims of domestic violence. Income limits apply. To be considered, you must fill out the intake form.
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The Julian Center
2011 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Tel: (317) 941-2200Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking
Good to Know: Julian Center offers supportive services including emergency shelter, outreach, counseling, transitional housing, affordable housing, advocacy, education, and case management. Call to learn more.
Family Law
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Marion County Superior Court Self-Represented Litigant Divorce Workshop (City-County Building, Family Resource Center)
200 E. Washington Street, Room W-125
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (317) 269-2222Areas of Law: Divorce
Good to Know: This is a free divorce workshop for those who qualify based on income. You must be registered and prescreened. All screenings happen in person. No phone calls.
Immigration Law
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Muslim Alliance of Indiana (Indiana Interchurch Center)
1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 125
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Area of Law: Domestic Violence, Immigration
Good to Know: Services are by referral only. Call to learn more.
Wills and Power of Attorney
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Low Asset Wills Program (Indiana Bar Association)
135 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 1500
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: (414) 276-5931Area of Law: Wills, Power of Attorney
Good to Know: Qualified individuals can meet privately with an attorney who will draft a last will & testament and advance directives for them.