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ShareLegal Help
The DC Courts and community organizations have information and resources available for those who don’t have a lawyer to represent them. Please note:
- This page provides access to legal information and resources, not legal advice.
- Most links are to outside resources (not maintained by the DC Courts).
If I Need to Start a Case
If a Case Has Been Filed Against Me
Case Types
Includes matters related to adoption, child support, custody, divorce and visitation.
DC Superior Court Family Self-Help CenterFamily Law Section of LawHelp/DC
Videos to Help You in Family Court (D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center on YouTube)
Family Matters
Custody Jurisdiction Decision Tree Tool
Includes matters related to evictions, lease agreements, housing conditions and repairs, ownership and foreclosures, landlord’s rights and responsibilities.
Landlord and Tenant Matters
Housing Conditions Court
Housing Section of LawHelp/DC
Eviction Help
Landlord Tenant Legal Assistance Network - Free Legal Help (English & Spanish)
Eviction Diversion Program
Court Navigator Program
Matters relating to wills, small and large estates, and adult guardianships.
Probate Matters
Probate and Estate Planning Section of LawHelp/DC
Probate Legal Assistance Network (PLAN)
Probate Self-Help Center - Estates, Wills and Guardianships
Small Claims (Filing a Case for $10,000 or Less)
Small Claims Resource Center Hotline – 202-849-3608
Court Navigator Program
See information about the definition of domestic violence and how to stay safe.
Get a Protection OrderDomestic Violence Matters
Domestic Violence Intake Centers
Domestic Violence Legal Information on LawHelp/DC
Domestic Violence Intake Centers
List of Legal Service Providers for Civil Domestic Violence Matters
For legal assistance navigating the District of Columbia juvenile and criminal justice systems, contact the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia.
See resources for those looking to represent themselves or in need of assistance in an appeals process.
Representing Yourself in an Appeal
Appellate Mediation
Mediation in Superior Court
The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division (Multi-Door) helps parties resolve disputes in Superior Court through mediation and other types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) online and in-person. Learn more about the division and their services here.
What is mediation? Learn more here.
Superior Court Self-Help Centers
Other Places to Get Help
- Child Support Resource Center
- Consumer Law Resource Center
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Advice & Referral Clinic
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Legal Information Help Line – 202-626-3499
- D.C. Debt Collection Defense Hotline - 202-851-3387
- D.C. Foreclosure Prevention Hotline - 202-265-CALL(2255)
- Family Law Assistance Network (FLAN)
- Housing Legal Assistance
- LawHelp.org/DC
- Probate Legal Assistance Network (PLAN)
- Rising for Justice Courthouse Office (Landlord & Tenant)
- Rising for Justice Courthouse Office (Respondents in Civil Protection Order Cases)
- Small Claims Resource Center Hotline – 202-849-3608
- Victim Legal Network of D.C.
Legal Service Providers for Those Seeking an Attorney or Legal Advice
Legal service providers are non-profit groups that help individuals who cannot afford a private attorney. They offer a range of legal services from information, advice, brief service and representation.
Low-cost Legal Services
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| DC Refers | DC Refers is an online directory of experienced lawyers who are willing to represent clients of modest means for a reduced fee. |
| DC Affordable Law Firm (DCALF) | DCALF helps DC residents who do not qualify for traditional forms of free legal aid and cannot afford costly legal representation. |
