Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
Texas has free civil legal-aid programs, court self-help tools, safety-focused legal services, and low-cost lawyer referrals. The right starting point depends on your county, the type of problem, and how soon you must act.
Start with the Texas legal-aid directory or the regional program serving your county. Legal aid may offer full representation, brief advice, forms help, or a clinic referral. Help depends on income, case type, conflicts, deadlines, and staff capacity.
This guide gives general information, not legal advice. A court clerk can explain forms, filing steps, fees, and hearing dates, but cannot tell you what legal choice to make. ASMOM’s national legal help guide explains what to expect when asking for civil legal aid.
If you need legal help today
If there is immediate danger, call 911. If abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or trafficking is part of the problem, use a safer phone, email, or computer when possible. Texas Court Help warns that browser use may still be visible to another person.
For legal help tied to abuse, contact the Texas Advocacy Project lines. The organization lists free legal help lines open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For sexual-assault-related civil legal problems, the LASSA Texas hotline lists free and confidential help Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you have an eviction hearing, protective-order hearing, CPS court paper, debt lawsuit, child support date, or benefits appeal deadline, call legal aid right away and say the date first. Do not miss court while waiting for an office to call back.
ASMOM’s Texas safety guide provides other confidential support paths. For food, shelter, rent, or other urgent needs, use the Texas emergency guide.
Where to start
Start with the problem that has the closest deadline. A hearing tomorrow usually needs attention before a form due next month. Tell intake staff if several problems connect. An eviction may involve family violence. A CPS case may involve housing, disability, school, or child care.
I have court papers
Find the court, case number, hearing date, and response deadline. Keep the envelope. Call legal aid and ask for urgent screening.
I need a free lawyer
Use the county directory or apply with the regional legal-aid program. Civil legal aid usually does not handle criminal defense.
I need forms
Use Texas Court Help and TexasLawHelp. Do not buy forms that are available free from official or legal-aid sites.
I need local support
Dial 2-1-1 for housing, food, transport, child care, health, and safety referrals that may reduce pressure around the legal case.
ASMOM’s Texas assistance guide covers other state programs that may help while your legal issue is being reviewed.
Quick legal help table
| Problem | Good first step | Bring or save | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custody, divorce, or support | Legal aid or TexasLawHelp | Orders, notices, child records, and deadlines | Legal aid may offer advice instead of full representation. |
| Abuse or stalking | Safety advocate or protective-order help | Dates, messages, photos, and safe contact details | Only a judge can issue or change an order. |
| Eviction | Legal aid and justice court | Lease, notices, receipts, and court papers | Eviction hearings and appeals move quickly. |
| CPS contact | Family Helpline or a child-welfare lawyer | Letters, plans, worker names, and court papers | The helpline gives information, not full representation. |
| Debt lawsuit | File an answer and ask legal aid | Citation, petition, account records, and letters | Ignoring the case may lead to a default judgment. |
| Benefits denial | Read the notice and request an appeal | Decision, proof sent, case number, and deadline | Each program has its own appeal rules. |
Free civil legal aid in Texas
Texas has three large regional civil legal-aid programs. Their service areas overlap in some places, and special statewide projects may use different rules. The safest way to find the right office is to search by county and legal issue.
| Program | Main service area | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Texas RioGrande Legal Aid | 68 counties in Central and Southwest Texas, plus statewide migrant-farmworker services | Call or use its online and office information. Family-law intake has set hotline days. |
| Lone Star Legal Aid | 76 counties in East Texas, Houston, and the Gulf Coast region | Apply online or call the intake number listed on its site. |
| Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas | 114 counties across North and West Texas | Apply online or by phone. Language help is available during intake. |
These programs handle civil problems such as family law, housing, benefits, debt, employment, safety, and consumer issues. They screen for eligibility, service area, conflicts, deadlines, and case priority. Applying does not promise representation.
Prepare for conflict screening
Intake staff may ask for the names of the other parent, landlord, employer, creditor, or another person before discussing details. This helps the office check whether it has a conflict of interest.
Low-cost and paid lawyer referrals
If legal aid cannot take your case, the State Bar referral service may connect you with a private lawyer in counties it serves. The service says a referred lawyer provides an initial consultation of up to 30 minutes for no more than $20. Normal fees apply if you hire the lawyer after that meeting.
Before booking, ask what the first meeting covers, what later work may cost, and whether the lawyer offers limited-scope help for one clear task.
Court forms, fee waivers, and filing
Texas Court Help is connected with the Texas court system and provides basic information for people without lawyers. The guided forms directory includes free tools for common civil and family cases.
If you cannot afford court costs, use the official court-cost waiver form. It asks about income, benefits, property, debts, dependents, and monthly costs. Filing it asks the court to waive or delay certain costs; it does not decide the main case.
People representing themselves may be able to file electronically. The court filing resources page explains that eFileTexas Self Help offers forms for some case types. Ask the clerk whether e-filing is allowed or required in your case and whether a service charge applies.
| Ask the clerk | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which court handles this? | Family, district, county, and justice courts handle different cases. |
| What is the correct form? | This helps avoid using an old or unrelated form. |
| How must I file? | The court may accept in-person, mail, or electronic filing. |
| Is there a filing fee? | Fees depend on the court and case. |
| How do I request a waiver? | The Statement of Inability may be available when costs are unaffordable. |
| How do I get a filed copy? | A stamped or electronic copy proves what was filed and when. |
Custody, divorce, child support, and parenting time
Family-law cases can affect housing, school, health insurance, taxes, and safety. Tell legal aid about abuse, stalking, threats, or control during intake because those facts may change what help is most urgent.
The Texas Office of the Attorney General’s child support page is the official starting point for opening and managing a state child support case. The office helps establish paternity and support orders, collect payments, and enforce or review some orders. It does not represent either parent in the same way a private lawyer does.
For custody, visitation, paternity, modifications, and enforcement questions, the Texas Access hotline provides basic information in English and Spanish. The site lists hotline hours of Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central time and asks callers to keep the court order nearby.
If pursuing child support may create a safety risk, tell the child support office and speak with a family violence advocate or lawyer. Do not share an unsafe address, email, or phone number without first asking about available privacy steps.
ASMOM’s Texas child support guide covers applications, payments, enforcement, and changes in more detail.
Protective orders and survivor legal services
A protective order may be one legal option after family violence. It is not a promise of safety. A trained advocate can explain local shelter, court support, and legal options without making the decision for you.
The official protective-order page provides a guide and kit. The guide states that there is no fee to file an application for a protective order. The other person must be served before the hearing; you should not serve the papers yourself.
Texas Advocacy Project offers free legal consultations for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and other power-based abuse. LASSA may help with civil legal problems connected to sexual assault, including privacy, housing, family law, immigration, health benefits, work, or school.
Do not use shared contact information if another person monitors it. Tell every legal office whether it is safe to call, text, email, or leave voicemail.
CPS questions and caregiver help
CPS contact can be frightening, especially when you do not know whether a request is voluntary, part of an investigation, or ordered by a court. Read every paper and ask for clear explanations.
The Texas Legal Services Center Family Helpline connects callers with an experienced child-welfare attorney for free legal information and education about Texas CPS issues. Callers may remain anonymous. The helpline does not become your lawyer or provide full representation.
If you have a CPS petition, removal hearing, service plan, or other court paper, also ask about legal representation in the county handling the case. The Texas Family Help Link is a single online application that may match children and caregivers with legal aid or self-help resources.
Keep names, dates, papers, messages, safety plans, and a list of completed services. Ask what a document means before signing it.
Eviction and housing legal help
Eviction cases move quickly in Texas. The Texas eviction process page says the justice court normally sets a hearing 10 to 21 days after the landlord files the petition. A tenant who loses generally has five days to appeal. Appeals can be complicated and may require payments into the court registry.
Do not skip the hearing because you applied for rent help or are waiting for legal aid. Bring the lease, notice to vacate, rent ledger, receipts, repair requests, photos, messages, and court papers.
Tell legal aid if the problem involves disability, unsafe conditions, retaliation, domestic violence, public housing, a voucher, or discrimination. ASMOM’s Texas housing guide and Texas utility guide provide nonlegal help paths that may support housing stability.
Other legal issues that may affect your family
Benefits denials
Keep notices about SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or another Texas HHS program. The fair hearing page explains that an applicant, client, or authorized representative can appeal certain actions involving state benefits and services. Follow the deadline and request method written on your notice.
ASMOM’s Texas SNAP guide, Texas health guide, and Texas child care guide cover separate application and support paths.
Unpaid wages
The Texas Workforce Commission’s wage claim page explains how to file a Texas Payday Law claim online or by paper. Save pay stubs, work schedules, time records, messages, and employer information.
ASMOM’s workplace rights guide explains pregnancy, pay, leave, and discrimination starting points.
Disability rights
Disability Rights Texas intake accepts requests involving disability discrimination and access to disability services. It only handles selected disability-related issues and does not handle ordinary divorce or custody cases.
Debt lawsuits
Read the citation to find the answer deadline. TexasLawHelp offers a civil deadline calculator and forms for common debt cases. Filing an answer is normally free, but the correct deadline depends on the court.
Criminal charges
Civil legal aid usually does not defend criminal charges. The court-appointed counsel guide says to contact the court, judge, or county indigent-defense coordinator about requesting an appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one.
Local service referrals
2-1-1 Texas connects people to housing, food, child care, health, transportation, safety, and legal-service listings. ASMOM’s local resources guide explains how to make a focused 2-1-1 request.
Documents to gather
You can still ask for help if you do not have every item. Do not put yourself in danger to collect records. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you build a broader legal and benefits folder.
| Document | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Court papers and envelopes | Show the court, case number, service date, and deadline. |
| Photo ID and safe contact details | Help with intake, filing, and callbacks. |
| Orders and parenting records | Explain custody, support, and visitation history. |
| Lease and rent records | Support an eviction or housing review. |
| Agency notices | Show the denial reason and appeal deadline. |
| Income and monthly bills | May be needed for legal-aid screening and fee waivers. |
| Messages, photos, and reports | May support the facts, depending on the case. |
| Contact log | Tracks calls, names, dates, and next steps. |
If legal aid cannot take your case
Legal-aid offices have income rules, case priorities, conflict checks, and limited staff. A denial does not mean your problem is not serious.
- Ask whether the office can give brief advice.
- Ask for a clinic, workshop, or self-help packet.
- Ask whether another legal-aid program or special project may help.
- Use the State Bar referral service if you can pay for a consultation.
- Ask the clerk about forms, filing steps, fees, and fee waivers.
- Call 2-1-1 for nonlegal support tied to housing, food, safety, or transport.
ASMOM’s denied help guide explains how to organize notices and ask clear follow-up questions. Courts, legal-aid offices, and benefit programs use different review rules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring court papers. Open every letter and save the envelope.
- Waiting until hearing day. Intake, conflict checks, and document review take time.
- Skipping court. A pending legal-aid or rent-aid request does not reset the case.
- Using unsafe contact details. Tell the office whether voicemail, text, or email is safe.
- Buying free forms. Start with official courts or TexasLawHelp.
- Relying on verbal changes. Existing orders stay in place until properly changed.
- Missing appeal deadlines. Read the notice and ask about timing right away.
Phone scripts
Calling legal aid
“Hi, I live in [county] and need help with [custody, eviction, CPS, safety, debt, benefits, or another civil issue]. My hearing or deadline is [date]. Can you screen me for representation, brief advice, or a clinic?”
Calling the court clerk
“I have case number [number] in [court name]. I am not asking for legal advice. Can you confirm the next date, where to file papers, the filing fee, and how to request a court-cost waiver?”
Calling about child support
“I need help with my Texas child support case. My case number is [number]. I need to ask about [applying, payments, enforcement, safety, or a review]. What documents and next steps are required?”
Calling for safety-related help
“I need confidential legal help related to abuse, stalking, or sexual assault. It is [safe/not safe] to call, text, email, or leave voicemail. What services can I request?”
Resumen en español
Esta guía ofrece información general, no consejo legal. Texas tiene tres grandes programas regionales de asistencia legal civil. Use el directorio de TexasLawHelp o solicite ayuda con el programa que sirve su condado. Diga primero la fecha de su audiencia o límite.
Si hay peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Para violencia doméstica, acecho o agresión sexual, use un teléfono o correo más seguro cuando sea posible. Texas Advocacy Project y LASSA ofrecen ayuda legal gratuita para ciertos problemas relacionados con violencia.
Guarde los papeles de la corte, sobres, órdenes, contrato de renta, recibos, avisos de beneficios, mensajes y fechas. No falte a la corte mientras espera respuesta de asistencia legal.
FAQ
Can single mothers get a free lawyer in Texas?
Some may qualify for free civil legal help. Eligibility depends on county, income, case type, conflicts, deadlines, office priorities, and available staff.
Does Texas legal aid help with custody or divorce?
Legal aid may help with some custody, divorce, visitation, support, and family-safety cases. An office may offer representation, advice, forms help, or a clinic.
What should I do if I have an eviction hearing?
Call legal aid, read the court papers, and attend the hearing. Bring your lease, notices, rent records, repair requests, messages, photos, and payment proof.
Does it cost money to file for a Texas protective order?
No. The Texas Court Help guide says there is no fee to file an Application for Protective Order. A judge decides whether an order will be issued.
Can a court clerk give legal advice?
No. A clerk can explain forms, filing steps, fees, and court dates, but cannot tell you what to argue or which legal choice to make.
Where can I get help with CPS questions?
The Texas Legal Services Center Family Helpline gives free legal information and education about Texas CPS issues. It does not provide full representation.
Last updated: July 14, 2026 | Next review: October 14, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.