Free and low-cost legal help

You don't always need a private attorney. These services are free or nearly free, and many problems can be solved through them.

• Legal Aid South Africa

  Free attorneys for people who qualify on a means test. Criminal matters, and many civil matters including divorce, maintenance, evictions and labour.

  Website · 0800 110 110 (toll-free)

• CCMA

  Free dispute resolution for unfair dismissal, unfair labour practice and retrenchment disputes. No attorney needed to refer a case.

  Website · 0861 16 16 16

• Rental Housing Tribunal

  Free for deposit, eviction and lease disputes between landlords and tenants. Each province has one.

  Website

• Small Claims Court

  Claims up to R20 000 without an attorney. No legal fees.

  Website

• University law clinics

  Free legal advice and representation from supervised law students at most universities (Wits, UCT, UP, UKZN, UJ, NWU and others).

• National Credit Regulator

  Complaints about credit providers, debt counsellors and credit bureaus. Free.

  Website · 0860 627 627

• Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance

  Free dispute resolution when an insurer rejects your claim.

  Website · 0860 726 890

• Maintenance Court

  Apply for a maintenance order at your nearest Magistrates' Court. No attorney needed and no fee.

  Website

• Protection orders

  Apply at any Magistrates' Court, free, any day. In an emergency call the police on 10111.

  10111 (SAPS emergency)

• Legal Practice Council

  Complaints about attorneys, and the register to check that an attorney is genuine.

  Website