Birmingham Family Court Legal Aid

Contact Information

Name: Birmingham Family Court Legal Aid
Address: 120 North Second Court, Birmingham, AL - 35204
Phone: (205) 325-5474
Fax:

Service Information

Legal Aid does not accept cases directly from the public but by court appointment only. Staff attorneys at the Jefferson County Family Courts in Birmingham and Bessemer serve children as guardians ad litem in abuse and neglect (dependency) cases and as defenders in juvenile delinquency cases. Legal Aid's municipal court attorneys represent indigent adult defendants in the Birmingham and Tarrant Municipal Courts. We also represent adult defendants in the Jefferson County Drug Court program.

Programs and Services

For the Indigent
Children removed from abusive homes, caught in the middle of a custody battle, or accused of crimes, and adults facing potential jail sentences, frequently have no means to secure legal representation. By providing these individuals with attorneys to guide and advise them through the legal system, the legal rights of these persons are protected.

Legal Aid can provide legal services at a rate substantially below the hourly rates of members of the private bar for several key reasons: the accessibility of its lawyers, who are always present during the day-to-day operations of the court, the familiarity of those lawyers with the issues, procedure, and personnel of those courts, the capability of its lawyers to handle individual cases without regard to hourly billing and business profits, and the commitment of these lawyers to quality legal representation for the poor.


Mission Statement: "The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham, a non-profit service organization affiliated with the Birmingham Bar Association, provides free court appointed legal representation for children and low income adults."

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is legal aid?

Legal aid is free or low-cost legal advice and assistance given to those who cannot afford the services of an attorney.

2. Who is eligible for legal aid?

The eligibility requirements for legal aid vary depending on the country or state, but generally, those who have limited income and cannot afford the services of a lawyer are eligible for legal aid.

3. How can I apply for legal aid?

To apply for legal aid, you can either visit your local legal aid office or access their website to fill out an application form. You will be required to provide information on your income and assets, as well as the legal issue you need assistance with.

4. What types of legal issues are covered by legal aid?

Legal aid covers a wide range of legal issues, including family law, criminal law, employment law, housing, consumer law, and immigration law.

5. Can I choose my lawyer with legal aid?

In some cases, you may be able to choose your lawyer with legal aid. However, in most cases, the lawyer assigned to you by legal aid will depend on their availability and expertise in the area of law your case involves.

6. How much does legal aid cost?

Legal aid is either free or offered at a reduced cost, depending on your income and assets.

7. What documents do I need to provide for legal aid?

When applying for legal aid, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, such as bank statements, tax returns, and proof of benefits.

8. Is legal aid available for international cases?

Legal aid is only available for cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the country or state offering legal aid services.

9. Can I appeal a decision made by legal aid?

If you are not satisfied with the decision made by legal aid, you may have the right to appeal the decision. This may involve filling out an appeal form or attending a hearing.

10. How can I find a legal aid office in my area?

You can find a legal aid office in your area by searching online or contacting your local bar association.