Find Free Legal Aid for Mortgage Problems
If you're facing foreclosure, have disputes with your servicer, or need legal guidance on your mortgage options, you may qualify for free legal assistance. This directory connects you to legal aid organizations nationwide.
Important: We are not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation. This directory is for informational purposes only. We list organizations that may be able to help, but we are not affiliated with them and cannot guarantee services.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
You Probably Need a Lawyer
- • You received a foreclosure notice or lawsuit
- • Your home is scheduled for foreclosure sale
- • You believe your servicer violated laws (RESPA, TILA, etc.)
- • You were denied assistance and don't understand why
- • Your servicer is refusing to work with you
- • You're being charged improper fees
- • You have a complex situation (bankruptcy, divorce, inheritance)
You May Not Need a Lawyer
- • Requesting forbearance or repayment plan
- • Applying for loan modification (counselor can help)
- • Sending standard letters to your servicer
- • Requesting information under RESPA
- • Early stages of hardship (not yet in foreclosure)
- • Straightforward loss mitigation application
How to Find Free Legal Aid
LawHelp.org (Recommended)
LawHelp.org is the largest directory of free legal aid programs in the United States. Search by state and legal issue to find organizations near you.
Search LawHelp.orgLegal Services Corporation (LSC)
LSC funds legal aid organizations nationwide. Their locator helps you find LSC-funded programs in your area that provide free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals.
Find LSC Legal AidState Bar Associations
Every state bar association maintains a referral service. Many offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Some have pro bono (free) programs for low-income individuals.
Find State Bar ProgramsState Foreclosure Mediation Programs
Some states require lenders to participate in mediation before foreclosing. These programs bring you, your servicer, and a neutral mediator together to work out a solution. Many provide free legal representation during mediation.
States with Foreclosure Mediation Programs:
How Mediation Works:
1. You Request Mediation: When you receive a foreclosure notice, you have a limited time (usually 30-60 days) to request mediation.
2. Servicer Must Participate: Your lender/servicer is required to participate in good faith. They must bring decision-makers with authority to approve modifications.
3. Free Legal Help Often Available: Many programs provide free attorneys to represent you during mediation.
4. Work Toward Agreement: The mediator helps facilitate discussion. Goal is a workout agreement (modification, repayment plan, etc.).
5. Temporary Foreclosure Pause: Foreclosure is typically paused while mediation is pending.
Do You Qualify for Free Legal Aid?
Most legal aid organizations have income limits. Typical requirements:
- • Income at or below 125-200% of federal poverty level (varies by organization)
- • For a family of 4 in 2025: roughly $39,000-62,000 annual income (varies by state)
- • Asset limits may apply (usually excludes your home and one vehicle)
- • Priority for certain groups: seniors, disabled, domestic violence victims, veterans
Don't self-disqualify: Even if you're above income limits, some organizations may help with foreclosure cases or offer sliding-scale fees. Always call and ask.
What to Expect from Legal Aid
Services Provided:
- • Legal advice: Understanding your rights and options
- • Document review: Reviewing foreclosure notices, loan documents, servicer correspondence
- • Letter writing: Formal legal correspondence to your servicer
- • Negotiation: Communicating with your servicer on your behalf
- • Court representation: Defending you in foreclosure proceedings
- • Mediation representation: Representing you in foreclosure mediation
Limitations to Know:
- • Waitlists are common: Legal aid organizations are overwhelmed. You may wait weeks or months.
- • Not all cases accepted: They prioritize cases with legal merit or where foreclosure is imminent.
- • Limited scope representation: They may only help with specific aspects of your case.
- • Cannot guarantee outcomes: Having a lawyer doesn't guarantee loan modification or foreclosure defense success.
Documents to Bring to Your Legal Aid Consultation
Foreclosure Documents:
- • Foreclosure notice or lawsuit
- • Notice of default
- • Notice of trustee sale (if non-judicial)
- • Any correspondence from your servicer
- • Timeline of events (written summary)
Loan Documents:
- • Original mortgage and note (if available)
- • Recent mortgage statements (last 12 months)
- • Payment history from servicer
- • Loan modification denial letters
- • Any loss mitigation applications you submitted
Financial Documents:
- • Last 2 years tax returns
- • Recent pay stubs or income proof
- • Bank statements (2-3 months)
- • List of monthly expenses
- • Proof of hardship (layoff notice, medical bills)
Other:
- • Photo ID
- • Proof of residency
- • Property deed or title
- • Property tax statements
- • Homeowners insurance policy
Private Foreclosure Defense Attorneys
If you don't qualify for free legal aid or need immediate representation, you may need to hire a private attorney. Many foreclosure defense attorneys offer free initial consultations.
Typical Costs:
- • Flat fee: $2,000-5,000 for full foreclosure defense
- • Hourly rate: $200-400/hour (varies by market)
- • Payment plans: Many attorneys offer monthly payment arrangements
- • Limited scope: Some offer "unbundled" services (helping with specific tasks only) at lower cost
Finding a Private Attorney:
- • State bar referral service: Most states have attorney referral programs
- • NACA (National Association of Consumer Advocates): Directory of consumer rights attorneys
- • Martindale-Hubbell: Attorney ratings and reviews
- • Avvo: Attorney directory with client reviews
Warning: Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Never pay upfront fees for foreclosure assistance. Under federal law (MARS Rule), it's illegal for companies to charge advance fees for mortgage relief services.
Red flags:
- • Guaranteed to stop foreclosure or get modification
- • Requests upfront payment before providing services
- • Tells you to stop communicating with your servicer
- • Asks you to sign over your deed
- • Pressures you to act immediately
Legitimate legal aid is free. Legitimate attorneys charge for services rendered, not upfront for promises.
Prepare Your Case Before Calling a Lawyer
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