Legal Action of Wisconsin (Free Civil Legal Aid)
Last updated August 2026
Legal Action of Wisconsin is the state's largest civil legal aid firm, formed when Legal Action and Judicare Legal Aid merged, and it helps tenants and homeowners find and keep safe, affordable housing. Apply free by filling out the online intake form at legalaction.org or calling 855-947-2529; intake takes about 20 minutes, though applying does not guarantee services.
Start with the rule that protects you today: in Wisconsin, an eviction is a formal court process, and a landlord cannot lock you out without going to court. Self-help lockouts are unlawful, and the landlord must follow the written notice rules first. A notice is the start of a process, not the end of your tenancy.
Understand what a 5-day notice really means, because people misread it. For unpaid rent or a fixable lease problem, a 5-day notice is a right-to-cure notice: pay the rent, or fix the problem, by that date and you get to stay. It is not an order to move in five days. Only if you are late again within a year of a prior notice, or hold a month-to-month tenancy, can a landlord give a 14-day notice with no chance to cure.
If a case is filed, it is heard in small-claims court before one judge, unless someone requests a jury, which is six people in small claims. All termination notices must be in writing, and if you contest, the landlord must prove the allegations by the greater weight of the credible evidence. Showing up and contesting matters.
The standout program is the Eviction Defense Project, offering same-day, in-person help at courthouses: Milwaukee (Room 406, 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday), La Crosse (Fridays 8:30 a.m.), and Marathon County (Wednesday mornings, advice only). Spots are limited, it does not run every day, and it serves only tenants with a hearing that same day, so arrive early.
One lasting benefit: the Eviction Defense Project can help seal eviction records from CCAP, Wisconsin's public online court system, which future landlords check. Work the money side too: 2-1-1 finds local rent funds that sometimes end a nonpayment case faster than any defense.
Phone 1-855-947-2529
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Wisconsin residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; income limits and criteria vary by problem and office
- You can request help by phone during intake hours or through the online intake form at any time
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call 855-947-2529 or fill out the online intake at legalaction.org; plan about 20 minutes.
- 2
Read any notice carefully: a 5-day notice for rent lets you pay and stay by the deadline.
- 3
If a case is filed, go to the small-claims hearing and contest; do not skip it.
- 4
In Milwaukee, La Crosse, or Marathon County, arrive early for same-day Eviction Defense Project help.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Does a 5-day notice mean I have to move in 5 days?
No. For unpaid rent or a fixable problem, a 5-day notice is a right-to-cure notice: pay or fix the issue by that date and you stay. It is not an order to leave.
Can my landlord lock me out?
No. Eviction is a formal court process, and self-help lockouts are unlawful. The landlord must follow the written notice rules and win in court first.
How do I get free legal help?
Apply to Legal Action of Wisconsin online at legalaction.org or call 855-947-2529; intake takes about 20 minutes. Applying does not guarantee services.
What is the Eviction Defense Project?
Same-day courthouse eviction help in Milwaukee, La Crosse, and Marathon County for tenants with a hearing that day. Spots are limited and it does not run every day.
Can I clear an eviction from my record?
The Eviction Defense Project can help seal eviction records from CCAP, Wisconsin's public online court record system.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Wisconsin programs →Free · Private · No account needed