Apply for Free Civil Legal Aid

About this service

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid handles more than 45 civil practice areas. Depending on the issue and capacity, help may include legal information, advice, negotiation, document preparation, or representation. It generally does not replace a court-appointed lawyer in a criminal prosecution.

Eligibility

TRLA primarily serves people in its covered counties who meet current income and case requirements. Funding rules, legal deadlines, conflicts, case merit, and staff capacity affect acceptance.

What to bring

Have court papers, notices, leases, letters, deadlines, income and household information, and other records related to the legal issue available. Give sensitive records directly to TRLA, never LifePath.

Hours and access

Referral required

Call the intake line and state the legal problem, county, next deadline, and whether a hearing, eviction, shutoff, job loss, or safety risk is approaching. Applying does not create an attorney-client relationship or guarantee representation. Do not wait for a deadline to pass.

Cost

Free for accepted clients.

Before you contact them

What to confirm: Ask for the service location, arrival or appointment time, intake method, requirements, and the name of the next step.

What to save: Keep the date, contact method, confirmation, and next instruction. Do not save private document numbers in LifePath.

If nobody answers: Try one other official contact method, check current provider information, and use a backup option rather than making an unconfirmed trip.

Household, age, family, child, pet, couple, gender, and other program restrictions are unknown unless they are listed above. Confirm anything that matters to your situation.