Do you need legal help?
The DC Courts have resources to help you:
- Connect with a lawyer
- Get free help at the courthouse
- Learn about the courts and court procedures
- Find court forms
Get help finding a lawyer
Free or low-cost legal help
If you cannot afford a lawyer, free legal help may be available. Legal aid groups help people with certain cases if you meet income requirements. Call or visit the organization to find out if you qualify.
Some legal aid groups run clinics where you can walk in without an appointment and talk to a lawyer:
If you have questions or need help right away, you can call a legal hotline. These hotlines offer free legal information and referrals by phone:
- Child Support Resource Center Hotline: (202) 791-3996
- D.C. Debt Collection Defense Hotline: (202) 851-3387
- Family Law Assistance Network (FLAN): (202) 844-5428
- Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network (LTLAN): (202) 780-2575
If you want to hire a private lawyer, you can use a lawyer referral service. These tools match you with lawyers who handle your type of case. Some lawyers offer reduced rates if you qualify. Others charge standard fees.
DC Refers is a free online tool that connects you to a lawyer who charges reduced fees if you qualify.
MyDCLawyer is free tool that matches you with a lawyer who charges standard fees.
Help at the courthouse
Self-Help Centers help you represent yourself in family or probate cases. They can:
- Give you information about the law
- Explain how court works
- Help with court forms
- Provide computers for legal research or filing forms online
- Refer you to legal aid groups
They can’t give legal advice or represent you. Instead, they can help you handle your legal problem on your own.
Court navigators guide you through court processes. They can:
- Explain how court works
- Help with forms and filing
- Provide computers for legal research or filing forms online
- Refer you to legal aid groups
They can’t give legal advice or represent you. Instead, they can help you handle your legal problem on your own.
If you’re facing domestic violence or worried about your safety, visit one of the two Domestic Violence Intake Centers. They can help you:
File for a protection order (stay-way order)
Talk to a lawyer
Meet with crisis counselors
You may be able to speak with a lawyer for free at the courthouse. These legal aid groups offer same-day help if you qualify. Most programs have income limits. Contact the group directly to ask if you qualify.
Learn about court procedures
Court cases follow specific steps. Knowing what to do early can help you avoid delays or mistakes. Whether you are filing a new case or answering one, you will need to complete forms, meet deadlines, and attend hearings.
Learn more about how to:
Different types of cases have their own rules and forms. Choose your case below to find the right forms and instructions.
Mediation is a free service that can help you solve your case without a trial. A trained, neutral mediator helps both sides talk through the problem and try to reach an agreement. Mediation can save time, reduce stress, and avoid going to court.
Get ready for court
Watch this video to learn about the courts and meet the Chief Judges of the DC Court of Appeals and DC Superior Court.
Know before you go!
If you’ve never been to court or aren’t sure where you’re going, you can take a virtual tour. Watch the tour to feel more prepared before your visit.