How to qualify for free legal aid in Utah

Free legal aid means a nonprofit law office represents or advises you at no charge in a civil (non-criminal) case - things like eviction, divorce and custody, protective orders, debt collection, and public benefits. The main statewide provider is Utah Legal Services.

Legal aid offices have far more requests than lawyers, so they choose which cases they can take. Meeting the income limit does not guarantee that anyone will take your case. Even when they cannot represent you, they can often give advice, forms, or a referral - so it is always worth applying.

If you are charged with a crime, ask the judge for a public defender at your first court appearance. That is a separate system with no application form.

Most free civil legal aid in Utah screens household income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. The figures below are 125% of the 2026 guidelines for the 48 contiguous states. Add roughly $7,100 per year for each person over eight.

These numbers change every year, and each office may adjust them. Confirm the current figures with Utah Legal Services' eligibility page or the federal poverty guidelines.

Over the limit? Apply anyway. Offices can count high medical bills, child care, or child support you pay, and some cases - especially domestic violence and protective orders - are handled without the usual income test. Savings, a house, or a car may also be looked at, so mention them honestly.

• Where you live. Your case generally needs to be in Utah.
• Type of case. Civil only. Each office also has priority areas - for example housing, family safety, benefits, and consumer debt.
• Immigration or citizenship status. Federally funded programs have limits here, but there are important exceptions, including cases involving domestic violence, assault, and trafficking. Ask; do not assume you are barred.
• Conflicts. If the office already helped the other person in your case, they must send you elsewhere.
• Timing. Intake can take days or weeks. If you have a court date or a written notice, say so at the very start of the call.

• Roughly how much everyone in your household earns each month, before taxes.
• How many people live in and are supported by your household.
• Any papers you were served, plus any court date and case number.
• Your lease, notice, bills, or letters connected to the problem.
• The other side's name (so the office can check for a conflict).
• A phone number and a safe way to reach you.

1. Call Utah Legal Services intake: 801-328-8891 (Salt Lake), 801-374-6766 (Provo), 801-394-9431 (Ogden), 435-628-1604 (St. George). One office can serve the whole state. Calling is faster than a web form.
2. Answer the intake questions. Staff ask about income, household size, the type of problem, and any deadline. Be exact about dates.
3. Ask what happens next - whether it is advice, a clinic appointment, full representation, or a referral - and when you should hear back.
4. If they cannot take the case, ask for a referral and use the free options below. Do not stop at a "no."
5. Keep working on your deadline in the meantime. Call the Utah Courts Self-Help Center at 888-683-0009 for free help with forms and court process.

• Free Virtual Legal Clinic - a free short consultation with a volunteer attorney, no income test at the door.
• licensedlawyer.org - the Utah State Bar's public directory where you can search for and contact a licensed Utah attorney yourself, including reduced-fee options. The Utah State Bar does not recommend specific lawyers or provide legal advice under its ethics rules, and there is no guarantee of eligibility or that services will be provided.
• University of Utah Pro Bono Initiative clinics - free walk-in clinics staffed by law students and volunteer attorneys.
• Dial 2-1-1 for rent, utility, food, and other emergency assistance.