If you are struggling with debt but cannot afford a bankruptcy attorney, these St. Louis-area organizations may be able to help -- for free or at reduced cost.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area and eastern Missouri. They handle a wide range of consumer and debt-related matters, including bankruptcy guidance and representation for qualifying individuals.
St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal help. Their programs cover a variety of civil legal matters, and they may be able to match you with an attorney experienced in bankruptcy filings.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves low-income residents on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metro area (Metro East). If you live in Madison, St. Clair, or other Illinois counties near St. Louis, Land of Lincoln may be able to help with bankruptcy and debt-related matters. They provide free legal assistance across central and southern Illinois.
Most legal aid organizations serve people whose household income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For reference, the 2026 guidelines are approximately:
Each organization sets its own income limits. Even if you are slightly above the threshold, it is worth calling -- some programs make exceptions based on circumstances such as medical emergencies, domestic violence, or sudden job loss.
If you do not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to file bankruptcy on your own. This is called filing "pro se." It is more common in Chapter 7 cases, which are generally simpler than Chapter 13.
The Pro Se Bankruptcy Guide provides step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney.
You can also reduce costs by:
Yes. Several organizations in St. Louis provide free legal assistance for bankruptcy cases, including Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers. Eligibility is generally based on income, typically at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level.
Most legal aid organizations in St. Louis serve people whose income is at or below 125-200% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, that is roughly $18,000-$30,000 per year. Family size affects the threshold. Contact the organization directly for specific eligibility requirements.
If your income is too high for legal aid, consider filing pro se (on your own) using resources at prosebankruptcy.org. Some attorneys offer payment plans or flat-fee arrangements. If you live on the Illinois side of the metro area, also check Land of Lincoln Legal Aid.
Most legal aid organizations will ask for proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, benefits letters), identification, and a summary of your debts and assets. Bring as much documentation as you can to your first appointment to speed up the process.