Free Legal Resources for Illinois Residents

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

A database provided by SMRLD at no charge; must use an SMRLD library card to access from home. Search or browse legal forms and information. Search legal forms by state.

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.

2001 Delmar

ClosedToday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

2145 Johnson

ClosedToday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

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Upcoming Events

2024/2025 Winter Reading Challenge For All Ages! December 12, 2024 – February 2, 2025 2024/2025 Winter Reading Challenge For All Ages!December 12, 2024 through February 2, 2025Pick up a bookmark at either library location or register through Beanstack (smrld.beanstack.com).Read books that match the prompts.Complete 5 prompts and you will be entered into a prize drawing.There will be one winner for children, one winner for teens, and one winner for adults.
Free Tax Preparation By Appointment Only January 15, 2025 – April 15, 2025 Free Tax Preparation By Appointment OnlyFebruary 10 - April 15, 20252001 Delmar AveRegistration opens January 15Call 618-452-6238 Ext. 730 for appointments or more informationThe program is designed to help individuals and families with an annual income of less than $64,000.This project is brought to you in partnership with the Gateway EITC Community Coalition and VITA.
Illinois Libraries Present - Michelle Buteau January 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Illinois Libraries Present Season 4 runs September 2024 through May 2025, and will offer 11+ events for every audience.Enjoy this peek at the incredible lineup:Tues, December 10 | 7 PM - The Magic of Raina Telgemeier (Youth Program): Registration link: https://bit.ly/ILP_RainaTelgemeierDecember 20-22 - Little Women: The Musical (2022), An At-Home Experience Registration link (via Eventbrite, not Zoom): https://bit.ly/ILP_LittleWomen Recording of…
Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers January 24, 2025 at 10:00 am – 10:45 am Six Mile Regional Library District, 2001 Delmar Ave, Granite City, IL 62040, USA Play & Learn For Babies & ToddlersFridays, March 8 & 22Fridays, April 12 & 26Fridays, May 10 & 2410 AM at SMRLD, 2001 Delmar AveQuestions? Email [email protected] or call the Youth Services department at 618-452-6238 ext 720
Coffee & Cocoa Pop-Up Bar January 25, 2025 at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 2001 Delmar Ave, Granite City, IL 62040, USA Coffee & Cocoa Pop-Up BarWarm Up with a hot beverageSaturdays, 9AM - NoonNovember 30 - March 152001 Delmar Ave