Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) provides free legal help in twenty-two northwest Minnesota counties. Only people with low-incomes and issues critical to daily life receive services through LSNM. LSNM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Depending on the issue, LSNM may give legal advice, review court papers, assist in drafting paperwork, mediate, negotiate, litigate, and/or represent at an administrative law or district court hearing.
To apply for free legal help, you may call 1-800-450-8585, walk into any of our offices or apply online.
General office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During the summer, all offices close at 3 p.m. on Fridays.
Client applications are taken over the phone Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The fastest way to apply is by phone.
Cases We Take
Consumer
-Are you being threatened or harassed by a creditor or debt collector?
-Is your paycheck or bank account being garnished?
-Have your utilities been shut off?
Education
-Does your child have a disability and need an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
-Has your child been wrongfully disciplined, suspended or expelled?
Employment
-Have you been denied unemployment benefits?
-Is your criminal history preventing you from getting a job?
Family
-Do you have questions about your custody or parenting time rights?
-Are you or your child scared of a family member?
-Need help understanding court papers?
-Need to file for divorce?
Housing
-Have you been asked to move or served eviction papers?
-Have you been locked out of your rental housing or have repair issues?
-Are you facing foreclosure or contract for deed cancellation?
-Have you been denied subsidized housing?
-Do you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation?
Protective Orders
-Is someone physically harming or threatening to harm you or your child?
-Are you or your child being harassed?
Public Assistance and Disability Benefits
-Confused about your food support, medical assistance, or other public assistance?
-Have you been denied necessary medical care?
-Are you unable to work because of a disability?
Senior Issues
-Do you need a simple will, power of attorney, or health care directive?Â
Eligibility
To qualify for free civil legal aid, your household income must be at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). You can apply online via the button below, or call 1-800-450-8585 to complete an application over the phone.Â
What Our Clients Say

- Mike*
- Steve
- Barbara*
- Farah*
- Krystal*
