Missouri Legal Aid (Free Civil Legal Help)
Last updated August 2026
Free civil legal help in Missouri comes from four regional programs: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Mid-Missouri Legal Services, Legal Services of Southern Missouri, and Legal Aid of Western Missouri. There is no single statewide office; use the Program Service Area map on the website to find which one serves your county, then apply by phone or online.
These programs handle civil matters including housing and eviction, domestic violence, consumer issues, and public benefits. Many of the people they serve face eviction and cannot otherwise get an attorney, so if you have court papers, apply.
Missouri eviction rules for nonpayment surprise people, so read this carefully. In a rent and possession suit, the landlord must first demand the rent that is due before filing. But the separate written notice under section 441.060 is not required before that kind of filing. In other words, there is no fixed written notice period, just the demand for rent.
Once a rent and possession statement is filed, the court clerk immediately issues a summons requiring you and all occupants to appear before the judge on a set day. Showing up on that day is essential.
The suit itself is a verified statement to a judge listing the rental terms, the rent due, that payment was demanded, and a description of the property. Knowing that structure helps you spot whether the landlord followed the rules.
Move fast and stack help. Apply to the legal aid program for your county the day papers arrive, and dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that can clear the balance. Rent and possession is one eviction path; other procedures have different rules a legal aid attorney can explain.
Phone 1-800-444-0514
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Missouri residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; each program serves a set of counties and sets its own income guidelines
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri covers 21 eastern counties, and Legal Aid of Western Missouri covers about 40 western and northwestern counties; both take applications by phone or online
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Use the Program Service Area map to find the legal aid program for your county.
- 2
Apply by phone or online with that regional program.
- 3
If you get a summons, note the appearance date and plan to attend; all occupants must appear.
- 4
Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear the balance.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Missouri?
Through one of four regional programs. Use the Program Service Area map to find the one for your county, then apply by phone or online.
How much notice do I get for unpaid rent?
In a rent and possession suit, the landlord must demand the rent due before filing, but there is no fixed written notice period; the section 441.060 notice is not required for that suit.
What happens after a rent and possession suit is filed?
The court clerk immediately issues a summons requiring you and all occupants to appear before the judge on a set day. Attend it.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil matters including eviction and housing, domestic violence, consumer issues, and public benefits.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all Missouri programs →Free · Private · No account needed