Illinois Pro Se Help: Free Court Self-Help Centers and Legal Aid by County
Going to family court in Illinois without a lawyer is common, and you do not have to figure it out alone. The court runs free help for people representing themselves, and nonprofit legal aid offices give free legal help to parents who qualify. Below, every county in Illinois gets no more than two places to call, both checked in September 2026.
Statewide: Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. The state court system's main hub for people without a lawyer, with a text or call help line and a county-by-county self-help.
Adams County: court help from Adams County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 277-2100. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Camp Point, Clayton, Coatsburg, Columbus, Golden, La Prairie, Liberty, Lima, Loraine, Mendon, Payson, and Plainville.
Alexander County: court help from Alexander County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 734-1840. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cairo, East Cape Girardeau, McClure, Tamms, and Thebes.
Bond County: court help from Bond County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 664-3208. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Donnellson, Greenville, Keyesport, Mulberry Grove, Old Ripley, Panama, Pierron, Pocahontas, Smithboro, and Sorento.
Boone County: court help from Boone County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 544-3103. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Belvidere, Caledonia, Capron, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Poplar Grove, and Timberlane.
Brown County: court help from Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Mound Station, Mount Sterling, Ripley, and Versailles.
Bureau County: court help from Bureau County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 875-1331. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Annawan, Arlington, Buda, Bureau Junction, Cherry, Dalzell, De Pue, Dover, Hollowayville, La Moille, Ladd, and Malden.
Calhoun County: court help from Calhoun County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 576-2451. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Batchtown, Brussels, Hamburg, Hardin, and Kampsville.
Carroll County: court help from Carroll County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 244-1751. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Chadwick, Lanark, Milledgeville, Mount Carroll, Savanna, Shannon, and Thomson.
Cass County: court help from Cass County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 476-3417. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Arenzville, Ashland, Beardstown, Chandlerville, and Virginia.
Champaign County: court help from Champaign County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 239-5789. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Allerton, Bondville, Broadlands, Champaign, Fisher, Foosland, Gifford, Homer, Ivesdale, Longview, Ludlow, and Mahomet.
Christian County: court help from Christian County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 824-4736. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Assumption, Bulpitt, Edinburg, Harvel, Jeisyville, Kincaid, Morrisonville, Mount Auburn, Moweaqua, Owaneco, Palmer, and Pana.
Clark County: court help from Clark County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 826-2535. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Casey, Marshall, Martinsville, and Westfield.
Clay County: court help from Clay County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 662-6553. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Clay City, Flora, Iola, Louisville, Sailor Springs, and Xenia.
Clinton County: court help from Clinton County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 594-6615. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Albers, Aviston, Bartelso, Beckemeyer, Breese, Carlyle, Centralia, Damiansville, Germantown, Hoffman, Huey, and Keyesport.
Coles County: court help from Coles County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 345-4913. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Ashmore, Charleston, Humboldt, Lerna, Mattoon, and Oakland.
Cook County: court help from Cook County Legal Self-Help Center. Free legal aid from Legal Aid Chicago, phone (312) 341-1070. Covers Alsip, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Bedford Park, Bellwood, Bensenville, Berkeley, Berwyn, Blue Island, and Bridgeview.
Crawford County: court help from Crawford County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 544-2917. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Flat Rock, Hutsonville, Oblong, Palestine, Robinson, and Stoy.
Cumberland County: court help from Cumberland County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 849-2072. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Casey, Greenup, Jewett, Montrose, Neoga, and Toledo.
DeKalb County: court help from DeKalb County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 899-4540. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Cortland, DeKalb, Genoa, Hinckley, Kingston, Kirkland, Lee, Malta, Maple Park, Sandwich, Shabbona, and Somonauk.
De Witt County: court help from De Witt County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 935-5174. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Clinton, De Witt, Farmer City, Kenney, Wapella, Waynesville, and Weldon.
Douglas County: court help from Douglas County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 253-3812. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Arcola, Arthur, Atwood, Camargo, Garrett, Hindsboro, Newman, Tuscola, and Villa Grove.
DuPage County: court help from DuPage County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (630) 407-8811. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Addison, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Chicago, Clarendon Hills, and Darien.
Edgar County: court help from Edgar County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 463-3950. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Brocton, Chrisman, Hume, Kansas, Metcalf, Paris, Redmon, and Vermilion.
Edwards County: court help from Edwards County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 445-3314. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Albion, Bone Gap, Browns, Grayville, and West Salem.
Effingham County: court help from Effingham County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 342-2464. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Altamont, Beecher City, Dieterich, Edgewood, Effingham, Mason, Montrose, Shumway, Teutopolis, and Watson.
Fayette County: court help from Fayette County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 283-2824. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Bingham, Brownstown, Farina, Ramsey, St. Elmo, St. Peter, and Vandalia.
Ford County: court help from Ford County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 379-3431. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cabery, Elliott, Gibson City, Kempton, Melvin, Paxton, Piper City, Roberts, and Sibley.
Franklin County: court help from Franklin County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 438-7511. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Benton, Buckner, Christopher, Ewing, Freeman Spur, Hanaford, Macedonia, North City, Orient, Royalton, Sesser, and Thompsonville.
Fulton County: court help from Fulton County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 547-3041. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Astoria, Avon, Banner, Bryant, Canton, Cuba, Dunfermline, Ellisville, Fairview, Farmington, Ipava, and Lewistown.
Gallatin County: court help from Gallatin County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 269-3761. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Equality, Junction, New Haven, Old Shawneetown, Omaha, Ridgway, and Shawneetown.
Greene County: court help from Greene County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 942-5443. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Carrollton, Eldred, Greenfield, Hillview, Kane, Rockbridge, Roodhouse, White Hall, and Wilmington.
Grundy County: court help from Grundy County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 942-6880. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Braceville, Braidwood, Carbon Hill, Channahon, Coal City, Diamond, Dwight, East Brooklyn, Gardner, Godley, Kinsman, and Mazon.
Hamilton County: court help from Hamilton County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 643-2125. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Belle Prairie City, Broughton, Dahlgren, Macedonia, and McLeansboro.
Hancock County: court help from Hancock County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 357-3232. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Augusta, Basco, Bentley, Bowen, Carthage, Dallas City, Elvaston, Ferris, Hamilton, La Harpe, Nauvoo, and Plymouth.
Hardin County: court help from Hardin County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 285-6213. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cave-In-Rock, Elizabethtown, and Rosiclare.
Henderson County: court help from Henderson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 627-2450. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Biggsville, Dallas City, Gladstone, Gulfport, Lomax, Media, Oquawka, Raritan, and Stronghurst.
Henry County: court help from Henry County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 937-2233. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Alpha, Andover, Annawan, Atkinson, Bishop Hill, Cambridge, Cleveland, Coal Valley, Colona, Galva, Geneseo, and Hooppole.
Iroquois County: court help from Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Ashkum, Beaverville, Buckley, Chebanse, Cissna Park, Clifton, Crescent City, Danforth, Donovan, Gilman, Iroquois, and Loda.
Jackson County: court help from Jackson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 687-7300. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Ava, Campbell Hill, Carbondale, De Soto, Dowell, Elkville, Gorham, Grand Tower, Makanda, Murphysboro, and Vergennes.
Jasper County: court help from Jasper County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 783-8141. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Hidalgo, Newton, Rose Hill, Ste. Marie, Wheeler, Willow Hill, and Yale.
Jefferson County: court help from Jefferson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 242-6322. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Belle Rive, Bluford, Bonnie, Centralia, Dix, Ina, Mount Vernon, Nason, Waltonville, and Woodlawn.
Jersey County: court help from Jersey County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 498-9514. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Brighton, Elsah, Fidelity, Fieldon, Grafton, Jerseyville, Medora, and Otterville.
Jo Daviess County: court help from Jo Daviess County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 777-0200. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Apple River, East Dubuque, Elizabeth, Galena, Hanover, Menominee, Nora, Scales Mound, Stockton, and Warren.
Johnson County: court help from Johnson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 658-5051. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Belknap, Buncombe, Cypress, Goreville, New Burnside, Simpson, and Vienna.
Kane County: court help from Kane County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (630) 406-7126. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Algonquin, Aurora, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Batavia, Big Rock, Burlington, Campton Hills, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elburn, and Elgin.
Kankakee County: court help from Kankakee County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 937-2915. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Aroma Park, Bonfield, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Buckingham, Cabery, Chebanse, Essex, Grant Park, Herscher, Hopkins Park, and Irwin.
Kendall County: court help from Kendall County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (630) 553-4028. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Aurora, Joliet, Lisbon, Millbrook, Millington, Minooka, Montgomery, Newark, Oswego, Plainfield, Plano, and Plattville.
Knox County: court help from Knox County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 345-3859. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Abingdon, Altona, East Galesburg, Galesburg, Henderson, Knoxville, London Mills, Maquon, Oneida, Rio, St. Augustine, and Victoria.
Lake County: court help from Lake County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (847) 377-2267. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Antioch, Bannockburn, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Deerfield, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Grayslake, and Green Oaks.
LaSalle County: court help from LaSalle County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 433-8671. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Cedar Point, Dalzell, Dana, Earlville, Grand Ridge, Kangley, LaSalle, Leland, Leonore, Lostant, Marseilles, and Mendota.
Lawrence County: court help from Lawrence County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 943-3016. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Bridgeport, Lawrenceville, Russellville, St. Francisville, and Sumner.
Lee County: court help from Lee County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 284-5234. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Amboy, Ashton, Compton, Dixon, Franklin Grove, Harmon, Lee, Nelson, Paw Paw, Rochelle, Steward, and Sublette.
Livingston County: court help from Livingston County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 844-3396. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Campus, Chatsworth, Cornell, Cullom, Dwight, Emington, Fairbury, Flanagan, Forrest, Long Point, Odell, and Pontiac.
Logan County: court help from Logan County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 732-8878. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Atlanta, Broadwell, Elkhart, Emden, Hartsburg, Latham, Lincoln, Middletown, Mount Pulaski, New Holland, and San Jose.
McDonough County: court help from McDonough County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 833-2714. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Bardolph, Blandinsville, Bushnell, Colchester, Good Hope, Industry, Macomb, Plymouth, Prairie City, Sciota, and Tennessee.
McHenry County: court help from McHenry County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 334-0317. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Bull Valley, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Greenwood, Harvard, Hebron, Holiday Hills, and Huntley.
McLean County: court help from McLean County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 888-5301. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Anchor, Arrowsmith, Bellflower, Bloomington, Carlock, Chenoa, Colfax, Cooksville, Danvers, Downs, El Paso, and Ellsworth.
Macon County: court help from Macon County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 424-1372. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Argenta, Blue Mound, Decatur, Forsyth, Harristown, Long Creek, Macon, Maroa, Mount Zion, Niantic, Oreana, and Warrensburg.
Macoupin County: court help from Macoupin County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 854-3505. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Benld, Brighton, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Chesterfield, Dorchester, Eagarville, East Gillespie, Gillespie, Girard, Hettick, and Lake Ka-Ho.
Madison County: court help from Madison County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 296-4900. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Alhambra, Alton, Bethalto, Collinsville, East Alton, Edwardsville, Fairmont City, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Granite City, Grantfork, and Hamel.
Marion County: court help from Marion County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 548-3856. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Alma, Central City, Centralia, Farina, Iuka, Junction City, Kell, Kinmundy, Odin, Patoka, Salem, and Sandoval.
Marshall County: court help from Marshall County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 246-2855. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Henry, Hopewell, La Rose, Lacon, Sparland, Toluca, Varna, Washburn, and Wenona.
Mason County: court help from Mason County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 543-4701. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Bath, Easton, Forest City, Havana, Kilbourne, Manito, Mason City, San Jose, and Topeka.
Massac County: court help from Massac County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 524-4312. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Brookport, Joppa, and Metropolis.
Menard County: court help from Menard County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 632-2807. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Athens, Greenview, Oakford, Petersburg, and Tallula.
Mercer County: court help from Mercer County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 596-2620. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Aledo, Alexis, Joy, Keithsburg, Matherville, New Boston, North Henderson, Reynolds, Seaton, Sherrard, Viola, and Windsor.
Monroe County: court help from Monroe County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 939-6232. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Columbia, Dupo, Fults, Hecker, Maeystown, Valmeyer, and Waterloo.
Montgomery County: court help from Montgomery County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 532-9540. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Butler, Coalton, Coffeen, Donnellson, Farmersville, Fillmore, Harvel, Hillsboro, Irving, Litchfield, Nokomis, and Ohlman.
Morgan County: court help from Morgan County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 243-5435. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Chapin, Concord, Franklin, Jacksonville, Lynnville, Meredosia, Murrayville, South Jacksonville, Waverly, and Woodson.
Moultrie County: court help from Moultrie County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 543-2037. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Allenville, Arthur, Bethany, Dalton City, Gays, Lovington, and Sullivan.
Ogle County: court help from Ogle County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 732-3201. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Adeline, Byron, Creston, Davis Junction, Forreston, Hillcrest, Leaf River, Monroe Center, Mount Morris, Oregon, Polo, and Rochelle.
Peoria County: court help from Peoria County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 672-6084. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Bartonville, Bellevue, Brimfield, Chillicothe, Dunlap, Elmwood, Farmington, Glasford, Hanna City, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, and Norwood.
Perry County: court help from Perry County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 357-2410. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cutler, Du Quoin, Pinckneyville, St. Johns, Tamaroa, and Willisville.
Piatt County: court help from Piatt County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 762-4676. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Atwood, Bement, Cerro Gordo, Cisco, De Land, Hammond, Ivesdale, Mansfield, and Monticello.
Pike County: court help from Pike County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 285-2200. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Barry, Baylis, Detroit, El Dara, Florence, Griggsville, Hull, Kinderhook, Milton, Nebo, New Canton, and New Salem.
Pope County: court help from Pope County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 683-6531. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Eddyville and Golconda.
Pulaski County: court help from Pulaski County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 745-6610. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Karnak, Mound City, Mounds, New Grand Chain, Olmsted, Pulaski, and Ullin.
Putnam County: court help from Putnam County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 925-7016. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Granville, Hennepin, Magnolia, Mark, McNabb, and Standard.
Randolph County: court help from Randolph County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 826-3711. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Baldwin, Chester, Coulterville, Ellis Grove, Evansville, Kaskaskia, Percy, Prairie du Rocher, Red Bud, Rockwood, Ruma, and Sparta.
Richland County: court help from Richland County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 392-3711. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Calhoun, Claremont, Noble, Olney, and Parkersburg.
Rock Island County: court help from Rock Island County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 558-3538. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Andalusia, Carbon Cliff, Coal Valley, Cordova, East Moline, Hampton, Hillsdale, Milan, Moline, Oak Grove, Port Byron, and Rapids City.
St. Clair County: court help from St. Clair County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 825-2634. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Alorton, Belleville, Brooklyn, Cahokia, Caseyville, Centreville, Collinsville, Columbia, Dupo, East Carondelet, East St. Louis, and Fairmont City.
Saline County: court help from Saline County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 253-7455. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Carrier Mills, Eldorado, Galatia, Harrisburg, Muddy, Raleigh, and Stonefort.
Sangamon County: court help from Sangamon County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 753-6674. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Auburn, Berlin, Buffalo, Cantrall, Chatham, Clear Lake, Curran, Dawson, Divernon, Grandview, Illiopolis, and Jerome.
Schuyler County: court help from Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Browning, Camden, Littleton, and Rushville.
Scott County: court help from Scott County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 742-3150. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Alsey, Bluffs, Exeter, Glasgow, Manchester, Naples, and Winchester.
Shelby County: court help from Shelby County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 774-4432. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cowden, Findlay, Herrick, Moweaqua, Oconee, Pana, Shelbyville, Sigel, Stewardson, Strasburg, Tower Hill, and Windsor.
Stark County: court help from Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Bradford, La Fayette, Toulon, and Wyoming.
Stephenson County: court help from Stephenson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 235-8266. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Cedarville, Dakota, Davis, Freeport, German Valley, Lena, Orangeville, Pearl City, Ridott, Rock City, and Winslow.
Tazewell County: court help from Tazewell County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 478-5870. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Armington, Creve Coeur, Deer Creek, Delavan, East Peoria, Goodfield, Green Valley, Hopedale, Mackinaw, Marquette Heights, Minier, and Morton.
Union County: court help from Union County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 833-2521. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Alto Pass, Anna, Cobden, Dongola, Jonesboro, and Mill Creek.
Vermilion County: court help from Vermilion County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (217) 477-5220. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Allerton, Alvin, Belgium, Bismarck, Catlin, Danville, Fairmount, Fithian, Georgetown, Henning, Hoopeston, and Indianola.
Wabash County: court help from Wabash County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 263-3531. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Allendale, Bellmont, Keensburg, and Mount Carmel.
Warren County: court help from Warren County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 734-3166. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Alexis, Avon, Kirkwood, Little York, Monmouth, and Roseville.
Washington County: court help from Washington County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 327-3827. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Addieville, Ashley, Centralia, Du Bois, Hoyleton, Irvington, Nashville, New Minden, Oakdale, Okawville, Radom, and Richview.
Wayne County: court help from Wayne County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 842-4516. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Cisne, Fairfield, Golden Gate, Jeffersonville, Johnsonville, Keenes, Mill Shoals, Mount Erie, Sims, and Wayne City.
White County: court help from White County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 382-5277. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Burnt Prairie, Carmi, Crossville, Enfield, Grayville, Maunie, Mill Shoals, New Haven, Norris City, Phillipstown, and Springerton.
Whiteside County: court help from Whiteside County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 625-1370. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Albany, Coleta, Deer Grove, Erie, Fulton, Lyndon, Morrison, Prophetstown, Rock Falls, Sterling, and Tampico.
Will County: court help from Will County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 727-8540. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Aurora, Beecher, Bolingbrook, Braceville, Braidwood, Channahon, Coal City, Crest Hill, Crete, Diamond, Elwood, and Frankfort.
Williamson County: court help from Williamson County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (618) 993-5935. Free legal aid from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, phone (877) 342-7891. Covers Bush, Cambria, Carbondale, Carterville, Colp, Crainville, Creal Springs, Energy, Freeman Spur, Herrin, Hurst, and Johnston City.
Winnebago County: court help from Winnebago County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (815) 319-4526. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Cherry Valley, Durand, Loves Park, Machesney Park, New Milford, Pecatonica, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit, and Winnebago.
Woodford County: court help from Woodford County Legal Self-Help Center, phone (309) 467-2922. Free legal aid from Prairie State Legal Services, phone (815) 965-2134. Covers Bay View Gardens, Benson, Congerville, Deer Creek, El Paso, Eureka, Germantown Hills, Goodfield, Kappa, Metamora, Minonk, and Panola.
Where can I get free help with a family court case in Illinois without a lawyer? Start with Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, run by State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. 98 of 102 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Prairie State Legal Services, and Legal Aid Chicago if you qualify by income.
Does every Illinois county have its own self-help center? No. 98 of 102 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in Illinois.
Who gives free legal aid in Illinois? Illinois is served by 3 federally funded legal aid offices: Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Prairie State Legal Services, and Legal Aid Chicago. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center? It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid? A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call? Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free help with a family court case in Illinois without a lawyer?
Start with Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, run by State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts, phone (833) 411-1121, email AccessToJustice@illinoiscourts.gov. 98 of 102 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Prairie State Legal Services, and Legal Aid Chicago if you qualify by income.
Does every Illinois county have its own self-help center?
No. 98 of 102 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by Resources for Self-Represented Litigants, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in Illinois.
Who gives free legal aid in Illinois?
Illinois is served by 3 federally funded legal aid offices: Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, Prairie State Legal Services, and Legal Aid Chicago. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.
What is a court self-help center?
It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.
What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid?
A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.