If you are struggling with debt but cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, these Phoenix-area organizations may be able to help -- for free or at reduced cost.
Community Legal Services is one of the largest legal aid organizations in Arizona. They provide free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Maricopa County, covering a wide range of issues including consumer debt, creditor harassment, and bankruptcy-related matters.
The Arizona Legal Center provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They offer help with civil legal matters including debt issues and may provide guidance on bankruptcy options.
The William E. Morris Institute for Justice focuses on systemic legal issues affecting low-income Arizonans. They provide legal advocacy, policy research, and direct legal services in areas including consumer protection and debt relief. Contact them to learn about current programs and eligibility.
The Volunteer Lawyers Program connects low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation. Participating attorneys donate their time to handle civil legal matters, and the program may be able to match you with an attorney experienced in bankruptcy filings.
Most legal aid organizations serve people whose household income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For reference, the 2026 guidelines are approximately:
Each organization sets its own income limits. Even if you are slightly above the threshold, it is worth calling -- some programs make exceptions based on circumstances such as medical emergencies, domestic violence, or sudden job loss.
If you do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to file bankruptcy on your own. This is called filing "pro se." It is more common in Chapter 7 cases, which are generally simpler than Chapter 13.
The Pro Se Bankruptcy Guide provides step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney.
You can also reduce costs by:
Yes. Several organizations in Phoenix provide free legal assistance for bankruptcy cases, including Community Legal Services and the Volunteer Lawyers Program. Eligibility is generally based on income, typically at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level.
Most legal aid organizations in Phoenix serve people whose income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, that is roughly $18,000-$30,000 per year. Family size affects the threshold. Contact the organization directly for specific eligibility requirements.
If your income is too high for legal aid, consider filing pro se (on your own) using resources at prosebankruptcy.org. Some attorneys offer payment plans or flat-fee arrangements. The Volunteer Lawyers Program may also have options for people slightly above income limits.
Most legal aid organizations will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits letters), identification, and a summary of your debts and assets. Bring as much documentation as you can to your first appointment to speed up the process.