How to pay for a lawyer when you don’t have the money
Short answer: ask the firm for a payment plan, ask the court for a public defender if you are charged with a crime, contact legal aid for civil matters, or finance the attorney fee. In Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties, S.A.F.E. pays your lawyer directly and you repay in fixed monthly payments.
Updated November 2026 · General information, not legal advice.
Five ways to pay for a lawyer
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01
Ask the law firm for a payment plan
Many criminal defense and family lawyers take payment plans: a deposit now and the rest in monthly installments. Ask before you sign the engagement letter, and get the plan in writing. Some firms need the full retainer before they start.
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02
Ask for a public defender (criminal cases)
If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court for a public defender, usually at your first appearance. The court decides whether you qualify. In Georgia, public defenders are provided through the Georgia Public Defender Council.
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03
Contact civil legal aid (non-criminal cases)
For civil matters such as housing, family, benefits or consumer debt, legal aid organizations help people with low incomes. In metro Atlanta, Atlanta Legal Aid Society serves Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and nearby counties. Legal aid generally does not take criminal cases.
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04
Finance the attorney fee
A loan for attorney fees lets you retain a private lawyer now and repay over time. With S.A.F.E., eligible residents of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties can finance up to $5,000; we pay the attorney directly and you repay in fixed monthly payments.
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Compare the true cost
Credit cards and personal loans can also pay a retainer, often at higher interest. Whatever you choose, compare the interest rate, fees, monthly payment and total cost before you sign.
Compare your options
| Option | Who it’s for | Decision | Cost to you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm payment plan | Depends on the firm | Firm decides | Ask the firm |
| Public defender | Criminal cases, if you qualify | Court decides | No fee or a small fee |
| Civil legal aid | Civil cases, low income | Program decides | Usually no fee |
| S.A.F.E. financing | Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton | Usually within 24 hours | Fixed rate, shown before signing |
Loans for attorney fees in Atlanta
S.A.F.E. is an emerging CDFI loan fund in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Historic District. We finance attorney fees and retainers, plus bail bond, court-related and impound fees, for residents of the census tracts we serve in Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties. We do not pull credit, decisions usually come within 24 hours, and every cost is shown before you sign. Approval is not guaranteed.
Questions
How do I pay for a lawyer with no money?
Ask the firm for a payment plan, ask the court for a public defender if you are charged with a crime, contact legal aid for civil matters, or finance the attorney fee. In Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties, S.A.F.E. can pay your lawyer directly and you repay in fixed monthly payments.
Do lawyers take payment plans?
Many do, especially criminal defense and family lawyers: a deposit up front and the rest monthly. Others need the full retainer before they start. Ask before you sign, and get any payment plan in writing.
Can I get a loan for legal fees?
Yes. Loans for legal fees let you retain a lawyer now and repay over time. S.A.F.E. finances attorney fees and retainers up to $5,000 for eligible residents of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties and pays the attorney directly. Approval is not guaranteed.
What is legal fee financing?
Legal fee financing pays your lawyer up front while you repay the lender in installments. Compare the interest rate, fees, monthly payment and total cost before you sign.
Where can I find legal aid in Atlanta?
For civil cases such as housing, family or benefits, Atlanta Legal Aid Society serves Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and nearby counties. For criminal charges, ask the court for a public defender. Legal aid generally does not take criminal cases.
Is S.A.F.E. a law firm or legal aid?
No. S.A.F.E. is a loan fund. We finance the fees of licensed attorneys and other providers; we do not provide legal advice or representation.
Official and nonprofit resources
S.A.F.E. is not affiliated with these organizations, is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice or representation. See our Disclosures.