Best Legal Aid in Montana — 14 resources

About Legal Aid for Women

Legal aid in the United States is delivered through Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded nonprofits, law school clinics, pro bono panels, and court self-help centers. Most programs serve women at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level and handle family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and protective orders. The American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession and the National Women's Law Center supplement local services. For women, the most common legal aid needs are custody, divorce, child support, VAWA-based immigration relief, and DV protective orders — all areas LSC grantees regularly handle. This directory aggregates state legal aid offices, women's legal clinics, and bar referral panels.

Legal Aid in Montana

Montana district courts handle family matters in each of its 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. The Child Support Services Division operates under DPHHS. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman are the largest cities. Montana Legal Services Association and the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence support women, with strong online self-help for pro se litigants.

14 Resources

1. Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) — Free

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is the go-to free legal help in the Helena area for civil legal issues including family law, housing, and benefits appeals. Contact 800-666-6899 to ask about appointments, documents to bring, and waitlist status. Hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

800-666-6899 · 616 Helena Ave Suite 100, Helena, MT 59601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Montana Free Legal Answers — Free

Online platform where volunteer attorneys answer civil legal questions for qualifying women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Online Service · Online 24/7

3. University of Montana School of Law — Legal Clinics — Free

Based in Missoula, University of Montana School of Law — Legal Clinics supports Montana women navigating civil legal issues including family law, housing, and benefits appeals. Call 406-243-6785 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (semester), and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. No fee for eligible women, with intake handled confidentially.

406-243-6785 · 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (semester) · Visit Website

4. Montana Disability Rights (Disability Rights Montana) — Free

Based in Helena, Montana Disability Rights (Disability Rights Montana) supports Montana women navigating civil legal issues including family law, housing, and benefits appeals. Reach the team at 800-245-4743 to schedule a screening. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free for qualifying Montana mothers and their children.

800-245-4743 · 1022 Chestnut St, Helena, MT 59601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Montana LawHelp — Free

Online legal information and self-help resources for Montana women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Online Resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Legal Services Corporation — Free

LSC funds civil legal aid programs nationwide. Find local LSC-funded legal aid in your state for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. LawHelp.org — Free

Free legal help directory connecting low-income people to local legal aid programs in every state for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online

8. ABA Free Legal Help — Free

American Bar Association directory of free and reduced-fee legal help, pro bono programs, and court self-help centers for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. Pro Bono Net — Free

Network connecting low-income people with pro bono attorneys. Online tools and clinic directory for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. Justia Legal Aid Directory — Free

Free directory of legal aid offices, pro bono programs, and self-help resources organized by state for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. WomensLaw.org — Find a Lawyer — Free

Legal information and lawyer search specifically for women navigating abuse, custody, and family court. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Legal — Free

Legal advocacy resources for survivors including state-specific protective order information. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Stateside Legal — Veterans & Military — Free

Legal aid for veterans and military families. Federal benefits, family law, and consumer protection. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Immigration Legal Services Directory — Free

DOJ-recognized immigration legal aid organizations searchable by state for qualifying low-income women. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for qualifying low-income women who need vetted, plain-language information on family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, and consumer protection. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many legal aid resources are in Montana?
Women's Corner tracks 14 legal aid resources for women in Montana.
Are legal aid resources in Montana free?
14 of the 14 listed legal aid resources in Montana are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Montana have legal aid resources?
Listings span cities including Helena, Missoula.
What are some examples of legal aid resources in Montana?
Featured entries include Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA), Montana Free Legal Answers, University of Montana School of Law — Legal Clinics, Montana Disability Rights (Disability Rights Montana), Montana LawHelp.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
3 of 14 Montana legal aid listings include phone numbers.
How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Most Legal Services Corporation (LSC)-funded programs serve households at or below 125–200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Family law, domestic violence, housing, and public benefits cases are universally covered. Call your state's legal aid intake line or visit LawHelp.org to find your local provider and required documents.
Is there legal aid specifically for women?
Yes. Women's Law Project, Legal Momentum, and state-based Women's Justice Centers focus on family law, DV, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. Most domestic violence shelters have staff attorneys or partner with legal aid for protective orders, custody, and immigration relief (VAWA, U-visa).
What if I don't qualify for free legal aid?
Ask your state bar association for a 'Modest Means' lawyer referral panel — reduced rates for moderate-income clients. Law school family law clinics handle cases for free. Many attorneys offer limited-scope representation (one motion or one hearing) for a flat fee under
,000.
How fast can legal aid help in an emergency?
For protective orders, evictions, or imminent custody hearings, most legal aid offices have same-day or next-day intake. Walk into the courthouse Self-Help Center or call the legal aid hotline and say 'emergency' — explain the deadline. Bring ID, any court papers, and proof of income.