Navigating the legal system can be daunting, but in Minnesota, numerous resources are available to help individuals access legal assistance and information. This guide, provided by polarservicecenter.net, outlines the various self-service legal aid options across Minnesota’s judicial districts, focusing on free and low-cost clinics and services. Whether you’re facing family law issues, criminal charges, or civil disputes, understanding where to find help is the first step towards resolving your legal concerns. This resource aims to empower you with the knowledge to utilize self-service legal pathways effectively in Minnesota.
Tenth Judicial District: Self-Help Legal Clinics in Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright Counties
The Tenth Judicial District of Minnesota offers a range of self-service legal clinics and resources across its eight counties. These services are designed to provide guidance and advice to individuals who may not have legal representation.
Family Law Assistance by Phone
For residents within the Tenth Judicial District needing family law advice, the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN) provides a valuable self-service option. Individuals meeting specific income criteria (at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) can access a free 20-minute telephone consultation with a family law expert. To schedule this self-service legal advice, call the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677, available Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Anoka County Legal Clinics
Anoka County residents have access to several self-service legal clinics through the Anoka County Law Library and Central Minnesota Legal Services.
Family Law Clinic: Held twice a month on Thursdays, this clinic offers consultations with attorneys on various family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, and Orders for Protection. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling (763) 324-5560. The clinic is located within the Anoka County Courthouse Law Library on the 1st floor, providing a convenient self-service legal aid point.
Criminal Expungement Clinic: Central Minnesota Legal Services hosts a monthly expungement clinic at the Mississippi Library in Fridley. This self-service clinic assists individuals seeking to understand and navigate the criminal expungement process. No pre-registration is required, making it an easily accessible self-service legal resource. For the clinic schedule, visit the Anoka County Law Library website or call (763) 324-5560 for further details.
Chisago County Legal Advice Clinic
Central Minnesota Legal Services extends its reach to Chisago County with a free legal advice clinic designed for low-income individuals and families. While the clinics are currently conducted remotely, they offer a crucial self-service legal access point. Pre-registration is mandatory; please contact the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 to arrange scheduling and confirm topic availability based on attorney specialization.
Isanti County Legal Advice Clinic
Similar to Chisago County, Isanti County residents can also benefit from the free legal advice clinic offered by Central Minnesota Legal Services. This remote clinic is designed as a self-service legal resource for low-income individuals and families. Pre-registration is required. For scheduling and topic availability, please call the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853.
Kanabec and Pine Counties: Justice North – Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI)
Justice North’s Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI) serves both Kanabec and Pine Counties, providing virtual self-service legal clinics.
Family Law Clinic: PAI offers a Family Law Clinic on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This virtual clinic, accessible via phone or Zoom, provides self-service legal guidance on family law matters. Call (800) 933-1112 for assistance.
Bankruptcy Clinic: For bankruptcy-related legal questions, PAI hosts a virtual Bankruptcy Clinic on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This self-service clinic is also accessible by phone or Zoom. Contact (800) 933-1112 for assistance.
Social Security Clinic: PAI also provides a monthly virtual Social Security Clinic, offering self-service legal advice in this area. For assistance and scheduling, please call (800) 933-1112.
Sherburne County Legal Advice Clinic
Central Minnesota Legal Services also operates a free, remote legal advice clinic for Sherburne County, aimed at low-income families and individuals. This clinic functions as a self-service legal resource, with pre-registration required. Contact the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and to inquire about the legal topics covered in specific weeks.
Washington County Legal Services
Washington County offers a diverse range of self-service legal assistance programs, including the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program and the Washington County Legal Advice Clinic.
Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program: Individuals facing misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony charges in Washington County can access brief, free legal help through this program. Private attorneys provide initial guidance as a self-service legal resource. Call (651) 748-9373 for more information.
Washington County Legal Advice Clinic: Operated by the Washington County Law Library, this clinic provides three distinct self-service legal clinics: Family, Civil, and Criminal Law. Each clinic offers a free 30-minute consultation with a volunteer attorney from the Washington County Bar Association. Eligibility requires residency in or a court case within Washington County. Appointments are mandatory and can be scheduled by calling (651) 430-6330 or emailing lawlibrary@co.washington.mn.us.
- Family Law Clinic: Focuses on marriage dissolution, child support, domestic abuse, paternity, child custody, visitation, spousal maintenance, and name changes. Held every first and third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
- Civil Law Clinic: Addresses default judgments, housing/eviction, eviction expungement, creditor/debtor issues, judgment collection, consumer issues, conciliation court, and automobile title transfers. Held every second and fourth Monday of the month from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
- Criminal Law Clinic: Covers traffic tickets, criminal processes, criminal expungement, and DANCO orders. Held every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Wright County Legal Advice Clinic
Wright County residents can utilize the remote, free legal advice clinic offered by Central Minnesota Legal Services. This self-service legal resource is intended for low-income families and individuals. Pre-registration is necessary; contact the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and details on the weekly topic focus.
First Judicial District: Self-Service Legal Options in Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley Counties
The First Judicial District also provides various self-service legal aid options, particularly in Carver, Dakota, and Scott Counties.
Family Law Advice by Phone (Carver, Dakota, and Scott Counties)
Low-income individuals with family law court cases in Carver, Dakota, or Scott County can access a free 20-minute phone consultation with the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN). This self-service option is available by calling the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Dakota County Legal Clinics
Dakota County Court Administration collaborates with the Dakota County Law Library and Legal Assistance of Dakota County (LADC) to provide self-service legal clinics and support.
Dakota County Law Library Clinics (Family Law and Criminal Law): The Dakota County Law Library offers free 30-minute phone consultations with licensed attorneys for both Family Law and Criminal Law matters. These clinics are designed for advice only, not representation, and have no income restrictions, making them broadly accessible self-service legal resources. Registration for the Family Law Clinic and Criminal Law Clinic is available online.
Legal Assistance of Dakota County (LADC) Clinics (Divorce Forms and Consumer Law): LADC, a nonprofit organization, provides free legal advice, brief services, and, in some cases, full representation. They offer Divorce Forms Clinics and Consumer Law Clinics as self-service legal aid options. Registration for LADC services is available online.
Scott County Legal Resources
For Scott County residents, the Scott County Law Library website is the primary resource for information on available self-service legal clinics and workshops.
Second Judicial District: Ramsey County Self-Help Legal Services
The Second Judicial District, serving Ramsey County, offers a comprehensive array of self-service legal clinics and centers.
Ramsey County Criminal Defense and Family Law Assistance
Criminal Defense Services, Inc. (CDSI): Low-income defendants in Ramsey County, ineligible for a Public Defender, can seek legal help from CDSI attorneys at their arraignment at the Ramsey County District Court. This serves as an immediate, self-service legal access point.
Family Law Advice by Phone: Similar to other districts, Ramsey County residents can access the Volunteer Lawyers Network’s free 20-minute family law phone consultation by calling (612) 752-6677, Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Ramsey County Law Library Clinics
Criminal Defense Law Clinic: Held on the first and third Thursdays of each month (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM), this clinic offers free legal advice on criminal law issues to all Minnesota residents. Currently, consultations are by phone appointment only. Call the Ramsey County Law Library at 651-266-8391 after 10:00 AM on clinic days to schedule.
Criminal Expungement Clinic: Held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month (1:00 PM) at the Ramsey County Law Library, this clinic assists individuals with understanding the criminal expungement process and completing necessary forms for Ramsey County cases.
Family Court and Housing Self-Help Centers:
- Family Court Self-Help Service Center: Provides a legal clinic on Mondays and Wednesdays (noon to 3:00 PM) for individuals without attorneys in family court. Appointments are required; call 651-266-5125.
- Housing & Conciliation Court Self-Help Center: Offers free legal advice on Tuesdays (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) on a first-come, first-served basis. Currently, consultations are by phone appointment only. Sign-up begins at 12:30 PM, with a drawing for spots. Call 651-266-8391 after 10:00 AM on clinic days to schedule.
Domestic Abuse & Harassment Office (Ramsey County)
Victims of domestic abuse and harassment in Ramsey County can access resources and assistance with obtaining an Order for Protection through the Domestic Abuse & Harassment Office, offering a crucial self-service support system.
Third Judicial District: Legal Clinics in Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted Counties
The Third Judicial District provides self-service legal clinics primarily through Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC) and the Olmsted County Law Library.
Dodge and Fillmore County Legal Clinics
Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC) offers monthly free legal advice clinics on family law topics for residents of Dodge and Fillmore Counties. These clinics are open to all income levels, with pre-registration encouraged but drop-ins accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Karen at karen@laocmn.org or call (507) 287-2036 for registration and information.
Olmsted County Law Library – Free Legal Clinics Program
The Olmsted County Law Library offers a Free Legal Clinics Program for individuals representing themselves in court in Olmsted County. Volunteer attorneys provide brief consultations (up to 30 minutes) on family law, financial cases (debtor/creditor, pre-bankruptcy), and criminal expungement. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling (507) 218-3778 or emailing staff@olmstedlawlibrary.com.
Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC) Clinics
LAOC also provides a weekly free legal advice clinic on landlord-tenant issues for low-income individuals, held every Friday (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM) at their Rochester office. Walk-ins are welcome, and pre-registration is also available. Additionally, LAOC offers periodic bankruptcy clinics, requiring an eligibility application prior to attendance.
Fifth Judicial District: Self-Help Workshops
The Fifth Judicial District offers self-help workshops via Zoom video conferencing for residents across Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan counties. These workshops, held on the first and third Wednesday of each month (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM), provide 45-minute appointments with attorneys for document review, legal advice, and procedural guidance. A $40 fee applies. Contact Ruth Harms at Ruth.Harms@courts.state.mn.us or (507) 594-3044 for appointments.
Seventh Judicial District: Self-Help Clinics in Becker, Clay, Mille Lacs, Otter Tail, Stearns, and Todd Counties
The Seventh Judicial District provides self-help clinics in partnership with Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) and Central Minnesota Legal Services.
Becker and Clay County Self-Help Clinics
In partnership with the Becker County Law Library and Clay County Law Library, LSNM hosts Self-Help Clinics in both counties.
- Becker County: Thursdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Becker County courthouse Law Library.
- Clay County: First and third Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM AND every Thursday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Clay County courthouse Law Library.
These clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no income or asset eligibility requirements and no appointments needed, truly embodying self-service legal access. Contact LSNM at (800) 450-8585 or visit their website for the most current information.
Mille Lacs County Self-Help Program
The Mille Lacs County Law Library offers a Self-Help Program with an attorney available for general legal advice and help with court forms on Mondays (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM) and Wednesdays (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM) at the Mille Lacs County Courthouse.
Otter Tail County Self-Help Clinic
LSNM, in partnership with the Otter Tail County Law Library, hosts a Self-Help clinic on Wednesdays (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) at the Otter Tail County courthouse Law Library. This clinic is first-come, first-served, with no eligibility requirements or appointments necessary. Contact LSNM at (800) 450-8585 for details.
Stearns County Legal Advice Clinic
Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free, remote legal advice clinic for Stearns County residents on the first four Thursdays of each month. Pre-registration is required; call the clinic coordinator at (320) 403-1051 for scheduling and topic information.
Todd County Legal Advice Clinic
Central Minnesota Legal Services provides a free legal advice clinic in Todd County on the 4th Monday of each month at the Staples Public Library (11:15 AM – 12:45 PM) and Long Prairie Library (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Pre-registration is required; contact CMLS at (320) 257-4855 or 1-800-622-7773 to register.
Eighth Judicial District: Kandiyohi County Legal Advice Clinics
Kandiyohi County Legal Advice Clinics
Central Minnesota Legal Services and the Kandiyohi County Law Library offer legal advice clinics in Kandiyohi County.
- Central Minnesota Legal Services Clinic: Remote clinic on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month for low-income individuals and families. Pre-registration is required; call (320) 403-1051.
- Kandiyohi County Law Library Clinic: In-person clinic every Thursday (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) at the County Courthouse Law Library. Appointments are necessary; call 320-403-1051.
Contact Marcia Day at mday@centralmnlegal.org or (320)403-1051 to schedule appointments for civil legal issues at either clinic.
Ninth Judicial District: Self-Help Clinics in Beltrami and Polk Counties
Beltrami County Self-Help Clinic
Legal Services of Northwestern Minnesota hosts a Self-Help Clinic at the Beltrami County Judicial Center on the third Wednesday of each month (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM). They also offer a Virtual Legal Advice Clinic on the third Tuesday of each month; call 1-800-450-8585 for more information on both self-service clinics.
Polk County Self-Help Clinic
A Self-Help Clinic is available at the Polk County Justice Center Law Library on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Note that this clinic is not operated by Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota.
Conclusion: Empowering Self-Service Legal Access in Minnesota
Minnesota provides a robust network of self-service legal aid resources, from phone consultations to in-person and virtual clinics. These services, offered by dedicated organizations and law libraries across judicial districts and counties like Anoka County, Dakota County and Ramsey County, ensure that individuals have access to legal advice and guidance, regardless of their financial situation. By utilizing these self-service options, Minnesotans can take proactive steps in addressing their legal needs and navigating the complexities of the legal system. Remember to check specific clinic details, registration requirements, and eligibility criteria to effectively utilize these valuable resources for self service legal aid in MN.
