How to Help Yourself

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Common Questions

How can I get legal help?

To find a free, civil legal service provider, visit https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/get-legal-help. That website will provide you with contact information for the legal aid agency serving your area.

If you have a civil legal problem in Kentucky, four legal aid agencies serve different parts of the Commonwealth. Each of these agencies use Language Line to provide interpretation for clients in any language.

• Use our interactive map at https://www.kyjustice.org/help-near-you to select your county and find the legal aid agency serving your area. 
• Find the contact information for each region at https://www.kyjustice.org/contact-us
• Determine if you are eligible for free legal help by answering a few simple questions. Go to the homepage and click the button "Am I eligible?" 

If you have criminal legal problems, or if a civil legal services provider cannot assist you, we have a list of other potential legal service providers available.

English is not my primary language. Can I still get help from civil legal aid agencies?

Yes. We provide free interpretation or translation.

All civil legal aid agencies in Kentucky provide translation or interpretation services to applicants and clients with limited English proficiency free of charge. Let us know if you need an interpreter.

Do civil legal aid agencies provide accessibility services?

All civil legal aid agencies in Kentucky recognize that our clients have a variety of needs and concerns. Our offices are accessible. If you need accommodations, please let us know and we will be happy to help.

Can civil legal aid in Kentucky help me if I live in another state?

Possibly. If your case or legal problem is in Kentucky, we might be able to help. It will depend on the particular legal issue and whether your case meets our acceptance guidelines. Please contact the legal aid provider for the county in which you are having a legal problem to be screened by Intake. Alternatively, you may use the “find LSC” website to connect with the legal aid provider where you live.

Do civil legal aid agencies charge for services?

No. AppalReD Legal Aid, Kentucky Legal Aid, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, and Legal Aid Society do not charge a fee for attorney’s services to eligible clients. Clients may be asked to pay expenses such as court filing fees, service fees, and charges for obtaining medical and other records from providers.

What should I know about going to court?

Plan ahead so that you arrive on time. Treat the judge and court personnel with respect. Dress nicely, as though you are attending a house of worship or a funeral. You can also find some tips at by watching this video.

What is the goal of kyjustice.org?

To offer Kentuckians across the state access to free legal assistance and resources in an easy and accessible format.

Who manages kyjustice.org?

The website, kyjustice.org, is the property of the Legal Aid Network of Kentucky made up by AppalRed Legal Aid, Legal Aid of the Bluegrass, Legal Aid Society, Kentucky Legal Aid and the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission.

The site is being regularly updated to ensure the most up to date information is available to users.

Who is eligible for services from a legal aid agency?

Eligibility depends on your income and assets and the type of problem you have. When you contact a legal aid agency, you will need to provide information about your household income and the type of problem you need help with. Intake staff may refer you to the appropriate office or to another agency or a volunteer attorney (if available) for further assistance. When referrals are made, staff always tries to make the best referral possible. However, they cannot guarantee that the agency or program you are referred to will be able to represent you.

When communicating with Intake, you will need to have income and asset information for everyone in your household. Legal aid agencies generally represent low-income households (at or below 125% or 200% of federal poverty guidelines). Certain grants may allow us to represent clients outside these financial limitations (examples include housing counseling services, emergency domestic/interpersonal violence hearings, and some services for clients age 60 and over).

To make sure there is no conflict of interest, Intake will also need to collect information about the person, business, or agency with whom you are having a problem.

Please do not contact Intake on behalf of another person.

What does conflict of interest mean?

A conflict of interest arises when an attorney or firm has talked previously to a person and obtained any information about the same legal problem the caller is inquiring about. When this happens, the legal aid program cannot take the case. Attorney ethics rules strictly prohibit even hearing facts of a case from opposing parties.

What types of problems do civil legal aid agencies NOT help with?

We cannot assist in any active criminal cases. If you are charged with a crime, traffic violation or criminal contempt, you should ask the judge hearing your case to appoint you an attorney. However, we can assist people who may be eligible for criminal record expungement.

We provide assistance in civil legal matters that meet our case acceptance priorities and which do not create conflicts of interest. We do not accept personal injury cases.

While we work hard to help everyone who requests it, our services are limited by our guidelines, staff and funding availability. If we cannot assist you, we will do our best to provide a referral.