While library staff may not provide legal advice, we are able to share legal information. 

The first section, Legal Information, provides resources and information for a variety of legal issues. The second section, Legal Representation, provides contact information for free or low cost lawyers.

Legal Information

Free Legal Answers

This free email-based nationwide legal advice clinic is available to low income individuals with specific civil and civil appeal legal questions.  

Illinois Court Help

Call or text (833) 411-1121 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM for court guides to help you understand and go through the court process, wherever you are in Illinois.

Illinois Legal Aid Online

This website provides free legal information and court forms on various civil and family issues.

Lambda Legal Illinois

The Legal Help Desk at Lambda Legal provides legal information regarding protections for LGBT people and their families at no cost by email or phone. Midwest Regional Office 312-663-4413.

Legal Information Reference Center 

Madison County Legal Self Help Center

Clerks answer general questions, assist with research, and guide individuals to available court forms. Call 618-296-4472 or visit Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Office of the Illinois Courts

This website provides court approved free forms, e-filing guides, and short videos on appearing in court.

Legal Representation

Catholic Charities Legal Services

CCLS Provides free legal assistance to people residing in the Roman Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield with little to no income. Call 217-523-9201 to learn more about the services available.  

Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid

If a veteran, service member, national guard, reservisit, spouse, or dependent is in need of civil legal information or representation, call 855-452-3526.  

IllinoisLawyerFinder Phone Referral Service

Through the Illinois Bar Association, this phone referral service will match you with local Illinois attorneys for a 30 minute consultation for no more than $25. Call 800-922-8757.

Land Of Lincoln Legal Assistance

Land of Lincoln provides free legal representation for a number of civil issues for low income residents of southern Illinois. Call the referral center toll free at 877-342-7891 Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 4 PM and Friday 9 AM to 1:30 PM or online at https://lincolnlegal.org/apply-for-legal-services/.

Madison County Public Defender’s Office

The Public Defender’s office provides free representation to persons in criminal cases where incarceration is possible and who is unable to provide a private attorney.