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Apply for Services
Community Legal Services, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin in its relations with service applicants or employees.
How to Apply for Assistance
There are three ways to apply for assistance from Community Legal Services (CLS):
Apply Online
You may apply online if you have access to a computer with an Internet connection. All online applications for services are provided through the website of our community partner, AZ Law Help.
To apply online for assistance from CLS, please visit AZ Law Help’s Arizona’s Access to Justice Online Intake System page to start the application. Once you have reached the end of the computerized program, please call 602-682-3420 or toll free 855-339-6581 between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday to complete the application process. You must call one of these numbers and speak to one of CLS intake staff in order to complete the application process.
If you have problems completing the application using your mobile device or home computer, you may check with your public library for use of a computer and assistance.
Before you call or visit CLS:
Please have all information about your case and your household income ready when you call or visit Community Legal Services.
Apply by Phone
Call the phone number for the CLS office nearest to you. If you reach a recorded message, please select the correct option to connect to the correct department to apply for services.
At times this process can be lengthy and if you are charged for phone minutes, you may wish to use an alternative phone.
Apply at the CLS Office Nearest You
You also may apply at the CLS Office nearest you during the office’s business hours. Please bring all of the documents regarding your problem with you. CLS will not keep your originals. They can be scanned into your application for the advocate’s review. Please understand, this is to apply for services, you may not be able to meet with an advocate at that time.
Eligibility Statement
In general, Community Legal Services serves individuals and families living close to or below the federal poverty level, however, services and eligibility may vary depending on the requirements of our different funding sources. Because our funding sources change, it is best to call and speak with our intake specialists to see if you qualify for help.
In most cases, eligibility is based on household income, size, assets and case type. Case types are limited by guidelines set and approved annually by Community Legal Services’ Board of Directors.
In many cases, if your total household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level and you have limited assets, you may be eligible for services.
However, if you have fixed expenses such as rent, mortgage, child care so you can work, child support payments, etc., you may be eligible even if your income is up to 200% of the federal poverty level; and a few of our grants allow services to persons with incomes above that level. The appropriate financial eligibility will be determined during our initial intake process.
With limited exceptions (such as victims of domestic violence and trafficking), an applicant must be a citizen of the United States or fall within certain categories of eligible immigration statuses (i.e. legal resident status). Potential clients will be asked to confirm information regarding their immigration status.
Our legal services are provided at no costs to eligible persons. However in some cases, clients may incur court costs and fees. CLS encourages clients to apply for the applicable fee waivers and deferrals for these costs.
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Resources & Information
AZ Law Help
A great information resource, AZ Law Help is a project of the Arizona Bar Foundation in partnership with Community Legal Services, and numerous other Arizona legal service organizations.
Law Library Resource Center
The Law Library Resource Center is a program provided by the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County to help individuals help themselves in court.