Legal Help Options
Arizona offers many resources to help with civil legal problems. Understanding your options can help you choose the type of help that best fits your situation.
Representing yourself in a legal matter
If you are representing yourself in court, there are online and in-person resources that can help. The services available depend on which court is handling your case.
The best place to start is the court where your case is located. They can offer information, forms, and other resources to help you understand the process.
Court Self Help Services
Many courts provide:
Court forms, both online and at the courthouse.
Clinics, workshops, or online videos that explain the court process.
Public computers to complete forms or access court resources.
Self-help information and instructions.
Live chat or other online support.
Law libraries to research laws and legal procedures related to your case.
Contact your court to learn what resources are available. If you are not sure which court to contact, use the Find My Court tool at AZCourtHelp.org.
Online Legal Information
Arizona has several websites that provide free legal information and court resources.
AZCourtHelp.org
A statewide court self-help website with court forms, step-by-step information, videos, live online information sessions, and live chat.
AZCourtCare.orgInformation about court processes involving mental health treatment and care.
LawForSeniors.orgLegal information for older adults, their families, and caregivers.
Legal information for veterans and their families.
Legal Options by Cost
Arizona offers legal help at different price levels, including free, low-cost, and full-fee services. The right option depends on your legal issue, income, and the type of help you need.
No-Cost Legal Help
Free legal help for civil legal problems is available through legal aid organizations, volunteer lawyer programs, legal clinics, and other nonprofit legal service providers. For free help with criminal legal matters, contact your court and ask about Public Defender services.
Free legal services may:
- Be available only in certain parts of Arizona.
- Have income or other eligibility requirements.
- Help only with certain types of legal problems.
- Offer limited services, such as legal advice, document review, or representation in specific cases.
To find legal help from a non-profit legal service organization:
Start your online application or call (866) 637-5341 to apply for statewide civil legal aid services.
Use the AZLawHelp.org directory to search for legal service organizations by location or area of law.
Because resources are limited, not everyone who applies will qualify for free legal help. If you are not eligible, there may be other free legal help options available.
An online service where you can ask a civil legal question and receive a written answer from a volunteer lawyer.
Law School Clinics
Arizona State University and University of Arizona offer legal clinics where law students help clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Clinics are offered during the academic year and usually focus on specific types of legal issues. Check each law school’s website for current clinic schedules and eligibility requirements.
In some types of civil cases, trained community advocates may be able to provide limited legal help. These advocates may include social workers, case managers, volunteers, or others who have been authorized by the Arizona Supreme Court to provide certain legal services. They may be known as Community Justice Workers (housing, public benefits, consumer issues, debt relief, unemployment law, and family law related to domestic violence) or Certified Community Legal Advocates (housing stability and domestic violence).
Reduced Cost Legal Help
Reduced cost legal help is available if you do not qualify for free legal services but cannot afford standard attorney fees. These programs charge less than the usual cost for legal help. Some charge a flat fee, while others offer services at reduced rates.
Arizona’s reduced cost legal help options include:
Modest Means Project
A statewide program that connects eligible people with participating attorneys. Attorneys agree to provide one hour of legal help for $75. You can apply at Apply.AZLawHelp.org or by calling (866) 637-5341.
A reduced-cost legal services program for eligible residents of Pima County. The program charges an application fee and offers legal services at a fixed price based on the type of case.
Provides limited legal services for a reduced fee to eligible individuals with family law or juvenile law matters.
Offers family law classes and workshops for people representing themselves. It also provides lower-cost document preparation services through a Certified Legal Document Preparer.
Paid Legal Help
If you do not qualify for free or reduced-cost legal help, you can hire a legal professional to help with your case. A legal professional may offer:
Legal Advice.
Limited-scope representation, which only provides help with specific tasks or documents.
Full representation, including appearing in court on your behalf.
The cost of paid legal help depends on several factors, including:
- The type of legal issue.
- How complex the case is.
- How long the case is expected to take.
- The type and amount of legal services you need.
Many attorneys charge an hourly rate and require a retainer, which is money paid in advance that the attorney bills against as work is completed.
Some attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
How to Find Paid Legal Help
You can find a legal professional in several ways.
Many local bar associations offer lawyer referral services or online directories to help you find an attorney. Some referral services charge a small fee.
The State Bar of Arizona licenses and regulates attorneys and legal paraprofessionals. Its online directory lets you search for licensed legal professionals and review their licensing status and any public disciplinary history.
Law Firm Websites and Advertising
Many law firms describe their services, experience, and contact information on their websites or through advertisements.
Arizona Judicial Branch Directory
The Arizona Judicial Branch maintains a directory of Certified Legal Document Preparers (CLDPs). CLDPs can prepare legal documents but cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.
Online Directories
Websites such as Avvo, Justia, Super Lawyers, Nolo, and FindLaw allow you to search for attorneys by location, practice area, and other criteria.
Recommendations from Others
Friends, family members, coworkers, or trusted community organizations may be able to recommend a legal professional based on their experience.
This content was last updated on July 15, 2026.