Services
The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying Milwaukee County residents in the following areas:
Civil Division
Court Appointed Guardians ad Litem Services
Legal Aid represents children in need of protection and or services, and minors in cases of paternity, divorce, adoption, and termination of parental rights. These services are appointed by a judge, so Legal Aid does not accept requests for representation in these matters.
Eviction Free MKE
Launched in 2021, EvictionFree MKE is a right to counsel program of the Legal Aid Society that provides eviction defense to Milwaukee County tenants served with an eviction summons and complaint.
Our team also provides pre- and post-eviction services on issues involving:
Termination notices
Habitable conditions
Lock-outs
Security deposit recovery
*If you have a dismissed eviction on your record and have completed all payment plans, you are eligible to attend a free Eviction Sealing Clinic. Clinics are offered monthly in partnership with the Rental Housing Resource Center.
Want to know more about Eviction Free MKE? Check out the below video for more detailed information about our team and the services we provide
Health & Wealth
Legal Aid's Health & Wealth team is committed to strengthening family and neighborhood stability, representing individuals and families in matters involving:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and appeals
Estate planning matters involving Wills, Health Care, Financial Powers of Attorney (POAs), and Final Disposition wishes
Pardon applications
Consumer Protection
Legal Aid’s Consumer Protection project team specializes in providing legal remedies for exploitative practices and abuses against individuals of limited economic means, including:
Garnishments
Debt collection lawsuits
Student loan issues
Auto sale fraud
Repossessions
Harassment by creditors
Car purchase issues
Chapter 7 bankruptcies.
Legal Aid does not practice in the areas of tax or personal injury.
Immigration
The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee launched our Immigration practice in 2023 to serve those seeking a new beginning in Milwaukee. Legal Aid’s strategic focus began with asylum applications and work permit issuance, providing a pathway out of poverty through employment opportunities. We recently expanded our services to also provide legal advice and representation on deportation issues.
Click below for a Know Your Rights resource focused on Family Deportation Preparedness, developed in partnership with the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic.
Community Redevelopment Work
Legal Aid’s Community Redevelopment work focuses primarily serving the residents of Milwaukee’s near north and south side neighborhoods. Lawyers from across our practice areas connect with residents where they live, work and gather to provide legal services around matters involving housing security, business development, financial stability, and much more.
If you are currently in need of assistance in one of the above areas, complete the new client intake assessment to see if you qualify for Legal Aid Society’s free civil legal services. A member of our team will review your information and contact you at the earliest available opportunity regarding next steps.
Family Court Guardians ad Litem (GALs)
Legal Aid Society’s GAL attorneys are court appointed to represent the legal best interests of a child as determined through investigation and court process, and when the parents cannot agree on placement and custody.
GALs are appointed in cases involving:
Minor mothers or minor fathers in paternity cases
A child born outside of a marriage
Minors involved in child abuse restraining order cases
Deceased alleged fathers
Incompetent adults
The GALs role in representing the best interests of the children may involve negotiating settlements, discussing the case with both parents and ascertaining the child’s wishes, conducting informal and formal discovery and participating in all court proceedings as a party.
Children’s Court Guardians Ad Litem (GALs)
Since 1970, the Legal Aid Society has provided guardians ad litem representation primarily for at risk children. Our Children’s Court attorneys represent children:
In guardianship cases
In need of protection or services (“CHIPS”)
In termination of parental rights (“TPR”) matters
Legal Aid’s GAL attorneys represent the interest of children in these cases, not the interest of either parent.
