Free Legal Assistance for Uncontested Divorce and Custody Matters
At Baylor Law School’s Family Law Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves access to legal services, especially during life-changing moments like divorce or custody matters. Our clinic provides free, high-quality legal assistance to those in McLennan County who cannot afford a private attorney. We offer thirty-minute consultations to help guide you through the legal process, review and draft paperwork, and ensure you are informed every step of the way.
How It Works
Our clinic pairs volunteer attorneys and Baylor Law School students with individuals seeking assistance with uncontested divorce and custody cases. During the session, our volunteers help you review critical legal documents, answer questions about the process, and assist in preparing paperwork for your case.
Consultations include:
- Reviewing and drafting legal documents
- Providing advice on filing uncontested cases
- Answering any questions you may have about the legal process
Professor Stephanie Tang leads our team of volunteers. She brings her extensive experience in family law and a commitment to providing everyone with access to justice, regardless of income. Before joining Baylor Law School, Prof. Tang practiced family law exclusively in Chicago, where she developed her passion for helping underserved communities. Her work with pro bono clients inspired her to found the Family Law Clinic, ensuring that Waco families have access to legal guidance when they need it most.
Who Qualifies for Our Services?
To receive assistance from the Family Law Clinic, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Income Requirement: You must qualify under the income guidelines provided by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, which requires applicants to earn 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guideline. (For a household of two people in the state of Texas, 200% of the federal poverty level is $40,880 as of September 2024).
- Case Types: The clinic handles uncontested divorce and uncontested custody cases only.
- Jurisdiction / Venue: We can only assist with cases that are filed or currently pending in McLennan County.
How to Get Started
Appointments are highly encouraged to ensure you receive a consultation with one of our volunteers. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us via email or phone:
Send an Email to FamilyLawClinic@Baylor.edu
Phone: (254) 710-7001
Appointment Documents:
Please print and complete both of the following two documents before arriving for your appointment or email them to FamilyLawClinic@baylor.edu.
- Baylor Law School Pro Se Notice & Disclosure (This document explains that the Baylor Law School Family Law Clinic will provide free assistance by reviewing and advising on self-help forms for uncontested family law matters, but will not represent you in court.)
- Baylor Law School Legal Clinics Legal Services Application (This document is an application form for individuals seeking assistance from any of Baylor Law School’s Legal Clinics, detailing personal information, legal issues, and household details.)
Appointment Location:
All Family Law Clinic appointments are held at the McLennan County Courthouse, 501 Washington Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701.