Montana Legal Services Association (Montana Law Help)
Last updated August 2026
Montana Legal Services Association, or MTLSA, gives free civil legal help to low-income Montanans. Civil means non-criminal problems, like housing, family, public benefits, and consumer issues. Apply by calling the HELP Line at 1-800-666-6899, open Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm. You can also apply online at montanalawhelp.org.
MTLSA handles civil legal problems, including housing and eviction. When staffing is tight, the program puts existing clients first, then domestic-violence legal issues, then tenants facing eviction from public housing or holding a Section 8 voucher. So if you face eviction, call early.
There is also free help you can use on your own. montanalawhelp.org is MTLSA's public website. It offers legal guides, forms, and self-help tools for common civil issues, plus the online application. The guides are open to everyone, with no income screen.
MTLSA does not handle criminal cases. If you are charged with a crime, a public defender, not legal aid, represents you. For civil matters like a lease, a benefits denial, or a family issue, legal aid is the right door.
MTLSA keeps a statewide map of its office locations to help you find local help. If the HELP Line is busy, try again during its open hours, Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm. You can also apply online at any time of day.
Money and time both matter in a housing case. Call the HELP Line the day a court paper or eviction notice arrives. Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds that may clear a balance before a case grows. Whether you get full representation depends on the program's rules and your situation.
Phone 1-800-666-6899
Hours Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Low-income Montana residents with a civil, noncriminal legal problem; the program sets income guidelines for full service
- The legal information, forms, and self-help tools at montanalawhelp.org are free for everyone, with no income screen
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
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Call the HELP Line at 1-800-666-6899, Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm.
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Or apply online and read free guides at montanalawhelp.org.
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If you face eviction, call early, since the program prioritizes housing cases.
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Use the statewide office map to find local help near you.
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Dial 2-1-1 for local rent funds while your case is pending.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I get free legal help in Montana?
Call the MTLSA HELP Line at 1-800-666-6899, Tuesday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm, or apply online at montanalawhelp.org.
What kinds of cases do they handle?
Civil, non-criminal matters like housing and eviction, family, public benefits, and consumer issues. They do not handle criminal defense.
Who is helped first when staffing is tight?
Existing clients, then domestic-violence legal issues, then tenants facing eviction from public housing or holding a Section 8 voucher.
Is there free self-help I can use now?
Yes. montanalawhelp.org has legal guides, forms, and self-help tools, open to everyone with no income screen.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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