If you are struggling with debt but cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, these Houston-area organizations may be able to help - for free or at reduced cost.
Yes. Several organizations in Houston provide free legal assistance for bankruptcy cases, including Lone Star Legal Aid and Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Eligibility is generally based on income, typically at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level.
Lone Star Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents across the Houston area and Southeast Texas. They handle a range of consumer and debt-related matters, including bankruptcy guidance and representation for qualifying individuals.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers connects low-income Houstonians with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal help. Their programs cover a variety of civil legal matters, and they may be able to match you with an attorney experienced in bankruptcy filings.
South Texas College of Law Houston operates pro bono legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide free legal assistance. These clinics periodically handle consumer debt and bankruptcy matters. Contact the school's clinical programs office for current availability and scheduling.
Most legal aid organizations serve people whose household income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For reference, the 2026 guidelines are approximately:
Each organization sets its own income limits. Even if you are slightly above the threshold, it is worth calling - some programs make exceptions based on circumstances such as medical emergencies, domestic violence, or sudden job loss.
If you do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to file bankruptcy on your own. This is called filing "pro se." It is more common in Chapter 7 cases, which are generally simpler than Chapter 13.
The Pro Se Bankruptcy Guide provides step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney.
You can also reduce costs by:
Yes. Several organizations in Houston provide free legal assistance for bankruptcy cases, including Lone Star Legal Aid and Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Eligibility is generally based on income, typically at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level.
Most legal aid organizations in Houston serve people whose income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, that is roughly $18,000-$30,000 per year. Family size affects the threshold. Contact the organization directly for specific eligibility requirements.
If your income is too high for legal aid, consider filing pro se (on your own) using resources at prosebankruptcy.org. Some attorneys offer payment plans or flat-fee arrangements. You can also check if any local law school clinics have openings.
Most legal aid organizations will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits letters), identification, and a summary of your debts and assets. Bring as much documentation as you can to your first appointment to speed up the process.
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