Can't Afford a Lawyer? Payment Plans and Low-Cost Options
If full-service legal representation is out of reach, official court and bar sources describe several alternatives: hiring a lawyer for only part of a case (limited-scope or "unbundled" representation), reduced-fee "modest means" programs run by some state bars, free civil legal aid for people with low incomes, and court fee waivers for people who can't afford filing fees. In criminal cases, people who can't afford a lawyer may have one appointed. Programs, income limits, and rules differ by state and court.
What the law says
- Limited scope representation means a case is broken into segments and you pay an attorney only for the parts they help with. Arizona's courts say it is also called limited appearance representation, unbundled legal services, or discrete task representation, and that it may be cheaper than full representation. Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center, Limited Scope Representation
- Arizona's courts say the attorney and client sign a contract stating what the attorney will help with; the client remains responsible for keeping track of the case, filing things on time, and learning the court procedures and rules that apply. Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center, Limited Scope Representation
- Example (New Mexico): the Modest Means Helpline, created by the state's Access to Justice Commission, the State Bar of New Mexico, and the New Mexico State Bar Foundation, serves New Mexico residents of modest means, including people over the income limit for New Mexico Legal Aid. Staff attorneys give legal advice by phone, and in limited cases callers may be referred to pro bono attorneys for advice or limited representation. It handles civil matters only, not criminal matters. State Bar of New Mexico, Modest Means Helpline
- Example (Wisconsin): the State Bar of Wisconsin's Modest Means program is for people whose income is too high for free legal services but too low to pay a lawyer's standard rate. Its posted annual gross income ranges include $18,825 to $36,125 for one person and $39,000 to $82,000 for a household of four, and assets are also considered. State Bar of Wisconsin, Need a Lower Cost Option? (Modest Means)
- Wisconsin's Modest Means program says participating lawyers set the fee and are urged to offer rates substantially lower than their regular rates, and may charge $20 for the initial half-hour consultation. It does not take cases on contingent fees or cases that may result in suing for money damages. State Bar of Wisconsin, Need a Lower Cost Option? (Modest Means)
- Free civil legal aid funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is available to people with incomes at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. LSC says that in 2026 this is $41,250 for a family of four in the contiguous U.S., or $19,950 for an individual. Legal Services Corporation, LSC says $2 billion needed to address low-income Americans' unmet civil legal needs (April 6, 2026)
- Example (California): you can ask the court to waive court fees if you receive certain public benefits (such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI/SSP), your household income is below the amount listed on form FW-001, or you can't meet basic needs and pay court fees. A waiver doesn't cover lawyer fees, private mediation, or court-ordered fines or penalties. California Courts Self-Help Guide, Ask for a Fee Waiver
- In federal court, "in forma pauperis" status under 28 U.S.C. § 1915 lets a person start a case without prepaying fees or costs; the person must submit an affidavit listing all of their assets and stating that they cannot pay. U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma, Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (non-prisoner)
- For criminal cases, the Sixth Amendment guarantees an accused the right to counsel. Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964, federal courts appoint and pay lawyers for defendants who cannot afford one, through federal public defender organizations and private panel attorneys. U.S. Courts, Defender Services
- The State Bar of California says that if you cannot afford to pay your lawyer's bill, try to work out a payment plan or another arrangement with the lawyer; if you cannot reach an agreement, the lawyer may be entitled to stop working on your case or withdraw. State Bar of California, What to Expect Regarding Fees and Billing
FAQ
What is "unbundled" legal help?
It is another name for limited scope representation, where a lawyer helps with only the parts of a case you choose. The Santa Clara County, California, court describes it as a way to use a lawyer for only selected parts of your case.
Will any lawyer agree to limited scope help?
Not necessarily. Arizona's courts say any licensed Arizona attorney can provide it, but the decision to offer it is up to the lawyer and the needs of the case.
Do other states have reduced-fee programs?
Some do. For example, the Oregon State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service runs a Modest Means program in which attorneys charge reduced fees to income-qualified Oregonians (800-452-7636).
Does a court fee waiver pay for my lawyer?
No. California's courts say a fee waiver can cover items such as filing fees, sheriff service fees, and copies of court papers, but not lawyer fees.
Can legal aid help me with a criminal case?
The Florida Bar says legal aid offices do not take criminal cases because the state provides public defenders to represent people accused of crimes. New Mexico's Modest Means Helpline also does not assist in criminal matters.
How else can I keep legal costs down?
The State Bar of California says you may ask whether work can be temporarily postponed to reduce your bill, and suggests asking the lawyer in advance for a written estimate of costs.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.