Ascend Justice
(Formerly known as Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVLC) and Pro Bono Advocates (PBA))
Domestic Violence Courthouse, Suite 1900
555 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607
Phone: (312) 325-9155
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. except for court holidays
A walk-in clinic where attorneys provide free legal services for victims of domestic violence who are seeking civil orders of protection. Free legal representation in divorces for victims married to abusers is also available.
Between Friends
Third Municipal District Courthouse, Lower Level
2121 Euclid Ave., Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
Phone: (847) 818-8900
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Advocates from the “Between Friends” social service agency assist petitioners seeking orders of protection.
CARPLS Domestic Relations Advice Desk
Richard J. Daley Center, CL-29 (Concourse Level)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Walk-ins on a first-come / first-served basis; appointments can also be made
- Drafting of documents for uncontested divorces with no children or property
- Drafting of Allocation Petitions, Parentage Petitions
- Drafting of Appearances/Responses
- Free legal consultations on simple family matters such as parenting time (formerly “custody” and parenting time (formerly “visitation”) issues for low-income clients who cannot afford the services of an attorney
The Domestic Relations Advice Desk is staffed and administered by attorneys from CARPLS (Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services). In some cases, the CARPLS attorneys can draft documents for litigants who have eligible cases; however they do not represent litigants in court and cannot offer ongoing services in contested cases. The purpose of the Advice Desk is to help people represent themselves in court on simple family matters. Litigants should bring any relevant court documents with them.
Center for Conflict Resolution Eviction Mediation
Mediators from the Center for Conflict Resolution provide trained mediators to litigants in eviction matters. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where an impartial mediator helps parties generate ideas to settle their conflict. Mediation services are provided to parties free of charge, and are provided at the times and locations listed below.
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL 60426
Hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Center for Conflict Resolution Small Claims Mediation
Mediators from the Center for Conflict Resolution provide trained mediators to litigants in small claims, pro se court. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where an impartial mediator helps parties generate ideas to settle their conflict. Mediation services are provided to parties free of charge, and are provided at the times and locations listed below.
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Third Municipal District Courthouse, Courtroom 206 (Via Zoom Only)
2121 Euclid Avenue, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Hours: Fridays 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fourth Municipal District Courthouse
1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, IL 60153
Hours: Mondays 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL 60426
Hours: Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Thursdays 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Civil Law Help Desk - Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse
Cook County Law Library, Room 072 (Lower Level)
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60428
Hours: Tuesdays & Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Consultation with an attorney on contract dispute/debt collection, landlord/tenant and other consumer law cases
Collection Advice Desk
Richard J. Daley Center, CL-29 (Concourse Level)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., except for legal court holidays
No appointments, only walk-ins on a first-come / first-served basis
- Post-judgment debt collection, plaintiff and defendant
The Collection Advice Desk provides free legal advice and brief services to people without lawyers who are representing themselves in court (also called pro se litigants) in proceedings to collect on monetary judgments such as wage garnishments, bank account freezes, and citations to discover assets. Advice is also available to pro se defendants as well as pro se plaintiffs seeking to collect judgments. On-site attorneys from CARPLS (Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services) also provide information on court procedures, and advice on defenses and exemptions to collection that the pro se litigant can raise.
The Collection Desk is administered by CARPLS.
Court Facilitator Program
Third Municipal District Courthouse, Domestic Relations Courtrooms 105 & 106
2121 Euclid Ave., Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008
Hours: Tuesdays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Domestic Violence Advocates Office
Advocates assist petitioners in filling out court forms seeking orders of protection.
Fourth Municipal District Courthouse, 2nd floor
1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois 60153
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, 2nd floor
10220 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois 60453
Phone: (708) 974-6265
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Domestic Violence Civil Order of Protection Outreach Project - Legal Assistance Foundation
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse, Room 202G
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60428
Hours: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Civil orders of protection
- Consultation with an attorney on domestic violence issues
- Legal representation for civil orders of protection
Eviction Defense Help Desk - Legal Assistance Foundation
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse, Room 202G
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60428
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Consultation with an attorney on landlord/tenant issues
- Legal representation for eviction proceedings
Expungement Help Desk
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 1006 (10th Floor)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 738-2452
Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Expungement and sealing of criminal records
- Must have Chicago criminal record/RAP sheet for Chicago cases before coming to the desk
Operated by Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA), this desk can help individuals clear their criminal backgrounds by applying for expungement and sealing and providing advice and referrals for other remedies, including health care worker waivers and certificates of good conduct.
CGLA also accepts online applications on their website: https://www.cgla.net/get-legal-help.
Expungement Help Desk - Cabrini Green Legal Aid
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse, Room 102J
16501 South Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL 60428
The In-person Help Desk is temporarily closed. CGLA also accepts online applications on their website: https://www.cgla.net/get-legal-help.
- Expungement and sealing of criminal records
- Must have criminal record/RAP sheet for Chicago cases before coming to the Desk
Foreclosure Advice Desk (Walk-In-Assistance)
Richard J. Daley Center, CL-29 (Concourse Level)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
*Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. except for court holidays
*The desk may need to close occasionally for staffing purposes.
Walk-in foreclosure advice is only on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments.
The Foreclosure Advice Desk provides free walk-in legal consultations to persons representing themselves in only foreclosure cases pending in the Mortgage Foreclosure Section of the Chancery Division.
The desk is staffed by an attorney who provides legal advice and assistance with simple court pleadings relating to foreclosure cases. The attorney does not represent clients in court and cannot offer ongoing services.
The Foreclosure Advice Desk is a cooperative effort of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc.
Foreclosure Housing Counseling and Legal Aid (Appointment Only)
Persons with a pending foreclosure action in Cook County who would like to meet with a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor and receive legal aid at no cost may call 1 (855) 452-2637 to schedule appointments with a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor and a legal aid attorney.
These services are provided at no cost to people facing foreclosure and are provided as a cooperative effort between the Office of the Chief Judge, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, and The Chicago Bar Foundation. It is part of the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program and Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt prevention efforts.
Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors
Dunne Cook County Admin Building, Room 1020
69 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
(Across the street from the Richard J. Daley Center)
Phone: (312) 603-0135
Fax: (312) 603-9766
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. except for court holidays
No appointment is necessary, but available upon request
- Application for guardianship of a minor
- Free assistance in preparing court documents
- Referrals for more complex cases
Brochure: Guardianship for Minors: What Prospective Guardians Need to Know (2016)
The Rich Cozzola Memorial Juvenile Expungement Help Desk ("JEHD")
Cook County Juvenile Center, Ground Floor
1100 South Hamilton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 229-6072
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., subject to closures on court holidays
Walk-ins only
FREE legal assistance to expunge (erase) records of arrests and court records that occurred when under the age of 18. COOK COUNTY ARRESTS ONLY. No need to acquire juvenile records or RAP sheet prior to visit, staff can obtain records on your behalf.
The desk is operated by Legal Aid Chicago. Please visit www.legalaidchicago.org for additional information on free legal services provided.
Legal Aid Chicago
Helps victims of Domestic Violence and Domestic Relations.
Second Municipal District
5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077
Hours: Wednesday 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, 2nd floor Law Library
10220 South 76th Avenue, Bridgeview, Illinois 60453
Phone: (708) 974-6201
Hours: Monday 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Legal Self Help Web Center - Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse
Cook County Law Library, Room 072 (Basement)
16501 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60428
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Find legal information and court forms online with the help of a navigator
- Access via phone to CARPLS Legal Aid hotline to speak with attorneys who can provide help and referrals to address legal problems
Municipal Court Advice Desk
Richard J. Daley Center, CL-29 (Concourse Level)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
No appointments, only walk-ins on a first-come / first-served basis
Zoom Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. except for court holidays
In-Person Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. except for court holidays
- Cases pending in the Municipal Department under $50,000
- Evictions
- Contract disputes/debt collection
This desk provides free legal assistance to low-income persons that includes legal advice, help with the preparation of court documents such as motions and pleadings and assistance with settlement negotiations. The desk is staffed by attorneys, as well as volunteer attorneys and interns and law students under direct supervision of the attorneys. Referrals are made when direct legal representation is required and available.
The desk is supported by the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Chicago Bar Foundation and CARPLS (Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services).
Parentage and Child Support Pro Se Advice Desk
Domestic Relations Division, Parentage and Child Support Court
Richard J. Daley Center, Room CL-24 (Concourse Level)
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. except for court holidays
No appointments, only walk-ins on a first-come / first-served basis
- Child support issues
- Paternity issues
- Judicial cases
- Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services administrative cases
The Parentage and Child Support Pro Se Advice Desk provides free legal assistance to people without lawyers who are representing themselves in court (also called pro se litigants) on child support and paternity matters. In addition, the Desk also sees post-decree litigants with modification of child support issues.
Desk attorneys provide legal advice, summarize and explain the law, and prepare fact specific pleadings such as motions to modify support, quash service or vacate orders (if warranted) as well as responses to complaints and petitions for rule to show cause.
The Chicago Legal Clinic, Inc. administers the Parentage and Child Support Pro Se Advice Desk.
Pro Bono Program - South Suburban Bar Association
Sixth Municipal District Courthouse, Lower Level
16501 South Kedzie Parkway, Markham, Illinois 60428
Hours: Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Consultation with an attorney on legal issues.
Self Help Web Center
Richard J. Daley Center, 6th Floor, Room 602
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602
*Hours: Monday - Friday, except for court holidays
*Vary based on the availability of volunteer law students
- Find legal information and court forms online in over 20 areas of law with the help of a law student
- A search tool for free and low-cost legal representation
The James B. Moran Center - Expungement Help Desk
Second Municipal District Courthouse
5600 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077
Phone: (847) 492-1410 ext. 102
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Expungement and sealing of criminal records
- Must have criminal record/rap sheet before coming to the Desk
Volunteer Attorney Program
Fourth Municipal District Courthouse
1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois 60153
Hours: Mondays, only while court is in session
A volunteer attorney from the West Suburban Bar Association is available in court to assist pro se litigants in drafting court orders in civil matters.