How to get a free lawyer for child custody in Texas? 2025

If you’re in the middle of a child custody battle in Texas and you can’t afford a lawyer, it can feel terrifying and unfair – like the other parent has all the power just because they have money. The good news is that there are real options for getting free or low-cost legal help so you’re not facing the court system alone. In Texas, several legal aid organizations, pro bono (volunteer) attorneys, and self-help resources exist specifically to support parents with low incomes who are trying to protect their relationship with their children. In this guide, you’ll learn where to look for a free lawyer, how to qualify, and what to do if you can’t get full representation but still need solid legal support.

1. Start by understanding your child custody case

In Texas, custody is usually called “conservatorship” and “possession and access.” A custody case might show up as:

A divorce with children
A Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR)
A modification case (changing an existing order)
An enforcement case (one parent isn’t following the order)

Even if you plan to ask for a free lawyer, you should know:

Are you starting a new case, or changing an old order?
Is there family violence, child abuse, or a serious safety risk?
Is CPS involved?
Are there any hearings scheduled already?

Having this basic picture makes it much easier for a legal aid office or volunteer lawyer to quickly decide how they can help you.

2. Who can get a free lawyer for child custody in Texas?

Most free lawyers in civil cases (like custody) do not come from the court. Instead, they are provided by legal aid nonprofits and pro bono (volunteer) programs.

These programs usually look at:

Income: Your household income must be at or below a certain level (often tied to federal poverty guidelines).
Assets: In some cases, your savings or property are also considered.
Case type: Many programs focus on family law, domestic violence, and child safety.
Location: Each legal aid organization covers specific counties in Texas.

You generally do not have a right to a free lawyer in a custody case the way you do in criminal court. So you usually have to apply with a legal aid group or pro bono program and see if they can take your case.

3. Statewide legal aid organizations that handle family and custody cases

Here are the main legal aid organizations in Texas that often handle child custody and family law for people with low incomes.

3.1 Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is the largest legal aid provider in Texas. It covers about 68 counties in Southwest Texas and provides free civil legal services to low-income residents, including many family law and custody cases, especially when there is domestic violence.

Who they help: Low-income people in their service area, including many survivors of family violence.
How to apply: Call their central intake line listed on TexasLawHelp (currently 833-329-8752) to see if you qualify and which office serves your county.

3.2 Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA)

Lone Star Legal Aid serves 72 counties in east, southeast, and northeast Texas, including the Houston area. They handle many civil cases, including family law, domestic violence, and crime survivor rights.

Who they help: Low-income clients in their coverage area.
How to apply: Use their website or call the numbers they list for intake and clinics.

3.3 Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free civil legal services to low-income families across 114 counties in north and west Texas.

Who they help: Low-income residents in north and west Texas, including family law matters.
How to apply: Start from their “I need legal help” section online or call the main intake number.

3.4 Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)

Texas Legal Services Center provides free legal assistance and operates several projects, including help with family, parenting, and child welfare issues like custody, visitation, and child safety.

Who they help: Income-eligible Texans statewide, often by phone or online.
How to apply: Go to their website and use the “Apply for Help” option or call the listed numbers.

3.5 TexasLawHelp.org

TexasLawHelp.org is not a law firm, but it is a statewide legal information website managed by Texas Legal Services Center. It provides:

Free, plain-language legal information
Step-by-step forms and guides for child custody, visitation, SAPCR, and more
The Texas Family Help Link, which can connect you to local legal aid and self-help resources with one application

For many people, this is the best starting point if you’re not sure which organization serves your county.

4. How to apply for a free child custody lawyer: step-by-step

Step 1: Gather your basic information

Before you call or apply online, try to have:

Names and birthdates of your children
Current orders (if any)
Case number and court (if a case is already filed)
Your address and contact details
Information about any family violence, CPS involvement, or protective orders
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters) and household size

Step 2: Use TexasLawHelp to find the right program

Go to TexasLawHelp.org and:

Look under Family, Divorce & Children for custody and visitation topics
Use the Family Help Link to fill out a single application that may connect you with local legal aid or self-help resources.

Step 3: Contact legal aid organizations that serve your county

From the information on TexasLawHelp, the Texas Judicial Branch legal aid page, or the national Legal Services Corporation directory, find which organizations serve your area and contact them.

When you call or apply online:

Be honest and specific about your income and safety issues
Tell them clearly that your case is about child custody
Mention any deadlines or court dates coming soon

Step 4: Follow up and attend any intake or clinic appointments

Some programs may:

Schedule a phone or video intake interview
Ask you to attend a legal clinic where you get brief advice
Put you on a waiting list if your case is less urgent

Make sure to:

Answer calls from unknown numbers (they might be the legal aid office)
Check your email and voicemail
Show up early for any clinic or appointment

5. Local pro bono and bar association programs

If you live in or near a big Texas city, there may be special volunteer lawyer programs for family law.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL)

Houston Volunteer Lawyers is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Harris County and surrounding areas. Thousands of private attorneys volunteer to help eligible low-income clients with civil matters, including family cases.

To get help, you typically have to:

Apply through their website or phone
Meet income guidelines
Live in their service area

Local bar associations

Many county bar associations run programs like:

Legal clinics (short, free consultations)
Pro bono referral panels
Low-cost lawyer referral services

For example, the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service can connect you with an attorney who will give a 30-minute consultation for a small fee (around $20). This is not the same as a free lawyer, but it can be a very affordable way to get some initial advice.

Check your county’s bar association website or call their office to ask about family law clinics and pro bono programs.

6. Be careful: avoid “nonprofits” and services that look like legal aid but aren’t

Unfortunately, some organizations look like legal aid or nonprofits but charge high fees and do not actually provide full legal representation.

For example, in early 2025, Texas Legal Services Center filed an IRS complaint accusing America Family Law Center, based in Houston, of misleading low-income people into paying for services it allegedly did not provide and of abusing its nonprofit status. The complaint claimed they did not represent clients in court or draft legal documents, despite taking thousands of dollars from vulnerable families.

To protect yourself:

Check the organization’s name on TexasLawHelp.org, the Texas Judicial Branch legal aid page, or the Legal Services Corporation directory.
Be cautious if a “nonprofit” wants large upfront payments or promises guaranteed custody results.
Ask clearly: “Will an attorney enter an appearance and represent me in court?”
If something feels off, talk to a trusted legal aid group or the State Bar of Texas before paying.

7. If you can’t get a free lawyer: other realistic options

Sometimes legal aid organizations are overwhelmed, or you may narrowly miss income guidelines. Even if you do not get a full-scope free lawyer, you still have options.

7.1 Limited-scope or “unbundled” help

Some attorneys are willing to:

Review your paperwork
Help you prepare for a hearing
Draft specific documents

for a reduced fee rather than handling the entire case. Ask any lawyer you contact whether they offer limited-scope representation.

7.2 Self-help with strong support

You may still be able to represent yourself more confidently by using:

TexasLawHelp.org forms and step-by-step guides for custody, SAPCR, and modifications
Court self-help centers or county law libraries
Free legal clinics where volunteer lawyers give short advice sessions (even if they can’t take your whole case)

The Texas State Law Library has an online guide to free and low-cost legal help and highlights organizations like Texas Legal Services Center that assist rural Texans and low-income residents.

7.3 Law school clinics

Some Texas law schools run family law clinics where supervised law students represent low-income clients for free. You can search directories like LawHelp.org or check local law schools’ websites to see if they have clinics taking custody cases.

8. How to prepare so a free lawyer can really help you

Whether you get a full-time legal aid lawyer, a volunteer attorney, or just a short consultation, preparation matters.

Bring the right documents

Try to bring or upload:

Any existing court orders (custody, child support, protective orders)
Police reports, CPS documents, medical records, or school records that relate to safety or parenting
Text messages, emails, or social media screenshots relevant to the case
A list of witnesses who can speak about your parenting or the other parent’s behavior

Know your goals and your “bottom line”

Think carefully about:

What schedule you believe is best for your child (days, overnights, holidays)
Any safety conditions you want (supervised visits, no overnight visits, no alcohol/drugs during visits, etc.)
What you are willing to compromise on, and what is non-negotiable for your child’s safety and stability

Be honest, even about the hard stuff

Legal aid lawyers and volunteers cannot help you effectively if they do not know the full story. Be honest about:

Any past arrests, CPS cases, or substance use
Conflicts with the other parent
Mistakes you have made and what you have done to change

They are there to help you protect your child, not to judge you.

9. Final thoughts: you are not alone

Finding a free lawyer for child custody in Texas can feel overwhelming when you are already stressed about your children and your finances. But there are real resources:

Statewide legal aid organizations like TRLA, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas Legal Services Center
TexasLawHelp.org with forms, guides, and the Family Help Link
Volunteer lawyer programs and local bar association clinics
Self-help tools, law school clinics, and limited-scope attorneys

Your next best step is to:

Visit TexasLawHelp.org and look up the Family, Divorce & Children section.
Use the Family Help Link or legal aid directories to see which organizations serve your county.
Call or apply immediately if you have upcoming court dates, family violence, or serious safety concerns.

You deserve clear information, a fair process, and a chance to protect your children’s best interests. Starting with the resources above can move you one step closer to that help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get a free lawyer for child custody in Texas?

In most child custody cases, the court does not automatically appoint a free lawyer the way it does in criminal cases. However, many parents qualify for free legal aid or pro bono (volunteer) attorneys through nonprofit organizations if they have a low income, limited assets, and a civil family law case like custody, visitation, or modification. You usually need to apply with a legal aid organization that serves your county and meet their income guidelines.

2. Does the court ever appoint a free lawyer in a custody case?

Sometimes, but it’s limited and depends on the type of case. Courts may appoint an attorney or guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests in certain cases, especially where there are serious safety concerns or CPS involvement. That lawyer represents the child, not you. A free lawyer appointed for you personally in a custody case is not guaranteed and usually only happens in specific situations spelled out in Texas law.

3. What income do I need to qualify for a legal aid lawyer?

Every legal aid organization has its own income limits, usually based on federal poverty guidelines and household size. They may also look at your assets and the type of case you have. As a rule of thumb, if you struggle to pay basic bills like rent, food, and utilities, it is worth applying. Even if you’re slightly above the limit, some programs can offer limited advice or refer you to other resources.

4. Where do I start if I want a free custody lawyer?

A practical first step is to:

Gather basic information about your case (existing orders, case number, upcoming hearing dates).
Visit TexasLawHelp.org to look up child custody and find legal aid programs.
Contact the legal aid organizations that serve your county and complete their intake applications.
Ask your local bar association if they have family-law clinics or volunteer lawyer programs.

5. What if I don’t qualify for free legal aid?

If you don’t qualify, you still have options:

Look for attorneys who offer payment plans or limited-scope representation (helping with documents or hearings for a smaller fee).
Use TexasLawHelp.org forms and guides to represent yourself with better information.
Attend free legal clinics where you can get short, one-on-one advice from a lawyer, even if they can’t take your entire case.

6. Can I handle my Texas custody case without a lawyer?

Yes, many parents represent themselves (called “pro se”) in Texas family courts, especially in straightforward cases where both parents agree on most issues and there are no safety concerns. However, custody law is technical and emotional. If there is domestic violence, child abuse, substance use, or CPS involvement, it’s strongly recommended to get legal advice from a lawyer or legal aid program as early as possible.

7. Will legal aid handle my whole case, or just give advice?

It depends on the organization’s resources and priorities:

Some clients get full representation (the lawyer appears in court, drafts documents, and handles the case).
Some receive advice and document help but represent themselves in court.
Others might only get brief advice at a clinic.

When you apply, ask clearly: “Will someone be able to represent me in court, or will I be getting advice only?”

8. How long does it take to get a free lawyer?

There’s no fixed timeline. It depends on:

How urgent your case is (for example, a hearing next week or immediate safety risk).
How many cases the legal aid program already has.
Whether there are volunteer attorneys available in your county.

Because of this, it’s important to apply as soon as possible and let them know if you have a court date approaching.

9. What should I have ready before I talk to a legal aid lawyer?

You’ll make the most of your time if you have:

Any existing court orders (custody, child support, protective orders).
Upcoming hearing notices or court papers you’ve received.
A short written summary of what has been happening with the other parent and the children.
Proof of income and information about your household.
Any police reports, CPS letters, school or medical records, or screenshots (texts, social media) that relate to your case.

10. How can I tell if a “low-cost legal service” is legitimate?

Be cautious. Some organizations and businesses look like nonprofits or “legal clinics” but are not real legal aid and may charge high fees while providing little help. To protect yourself:

Check if the group is listed on TexasLawHelp.org or the State Bar of Texas website.
Ask if they are a state-recognized legal aid provider or just a private company.
Ask clearly: “Will a licensed Texas attorney represent me in court and sign my documents?”
Be wary of big upfront fees and “guarantees” of winning custody.

11. Can I get free legal help if there is family violence?

Often, yes. Many legal aid programs prioritize survivors of family violence, stalking, or sexual assault, especially when children are involved. If you are in danger, tell the intake worker immediately. There may be:

Emergency protective orders
Safety planning
Fast-track referrals for a lawyer

If you are in immediate danger, . For support, you can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local Texas shelters and crisis centers.

12. What if CPS is involved in my custody situation?

CPS (Child Protective Services) cases are complicated and follow their own rules and timelines. If CPS opens a court case, you may have more of a chance to receive an appointed lawyer, but that depends on the type of case and your rights under Texas law. If CPS is investigating your family or has already taken action, try to:

Get legal advice as soon as possible through legal aid, a CPS-focused attorney, or a local clinic.
Keep all paperwork CPS gives you and bring it to any lawyer you speak with.