Free Legal Clinic

Legal Clinic Graphic 2026

The library hosts a free monthly legal clinic with Snohomish County Legal Services (SCLS) every second Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the Evergreen Branch Library. 

Have a legal question? At this legal clinic, SCLS attorneys will meet with you one-on-one for brief, half-hour consultations on general civil legal issues. SCLS can only provide legal advice for the issues listed below.

  • Family Law – self-help guidance on divorce, custody or parenting plans, guardianship of children, and protection orders (domestic relationships only).
  • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy/Personal Debt – self-help guidance and referral to resources for those struggling with debt impacting the ability to pay for necessities like rent and food; advice on available legal options for managing personal debt (credit card, medical bills, auto loans, eviction debt, civil court judgements); and advice on filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
  • Housing Law – self-help guidance on general housing legal issues, such as what to do if you have an eviction record, how to address common landlord-tenant issues (such as security deposit or damages disputes), and how to prepare for an upcoming eviction court case.
  • Estate Planning for Seniors – brief advice on basic legal documents required for estate planning (Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney for finances, and Healthcare Directives).

SCLS cannot assist with filing a lawsuit, and court representation in the areas above may be limited. You must be a qualifying low-income Snohomish County resident to attend the clinic.

Please sign up for an appointment at epls.org/SignMeUp. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis if spots are available. Walk-in availability is not guaranteed.

Questions about the clinic? Please see this FAQ document. If you have further questions, please call our reference librarians at 425-257-8250. 

Legal Aid Resources

This clinic is for general civil legal issues, including family law, housing, and debt collection. If you have an urgent legal need or a legal need that falls outside of those guidelines, please consider the following resources:

  • CLEAR Hotline: Northwest Justice Project. If you are low-income (below 200% of the federal poverty level) or over 60, contact the CLEAR Hotline to determine whether you’re eligible to access free legal aid. Call 1-888-201-1014 weekdays between 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. or apply online at nwjustice.org. Seniors (age 60 and over) can also call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111. CLEAR can refer you to family law help from Snohomish County Legal Services — please call the CLEAR line or apply online first to determine eligibility.
  • Washington Law Help. Free forms, instructions, webinars, and other legal resources. Visit www.washingtonlawhelp.org.
  • Snohomish County Legal Services Housing Justice Project. Assistance with housing issues for qualified clients. Priority goes to those who have an eviction hearing or other urgent matters. First come, first served. Monday through Friday from 9-11 a.m. at the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. Virtually every Friday from 1-3 p.m. via Zoom.
  • Snohomish County Legal Services provides other free legal aid clinics, including a quarterly wills clinic, a bankruptcy clinic, and other general legal clinics. View dates online at snocolegal.org.
  • Communities Rise small business and nonprofit legal clinics. Monthly legal clinics for small business owners. See the Communities Rise website for more information and registration.
  • Immigration help. Please contact Catholic Immigration Services at 206-328-6314 or Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at 206-587-4009.
  • Family law/guardianship courthouse facilitators. Facilitators cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court processes and review court forms. Appointments are $25. Make an appointment to meet with a facilitator at the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse by calling 425-388-3795. More info here.
  • Find your own lawyer. Browse attorneys in the WSBA directory. Another option: for $75, the Snohomish County Bar will refer you to an attorney who specializes in your issue and will provide a 30-minute phone consultation. Request a referral at www.snobar.org.