Legal Aid of Manasota is the local community resource for free legal help for the needy. Our agency serves the people of Sarasota and Manatee counties in civil matters such as foreclosure problems, housing issues, divorces, civil litigation and consumer credit issues. Educational classes on divorce are offered at no charge and throughout the year we assist with Foreclosure Defense/Attorney Consultations.
Legal Aid of Manasota services the elderly with matters such as living wills, advanced directives, guardianships and healthcare surrogates. We support SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center) in helping women and children free themselves from their abusers and we provide legal aid for area non-profits through the Community Counsel Project.
Eligibility for most services is based on residency and an annual income that meets the federal government guidelines for poverty. We can assist you in determining whether or not you meet the criteria.
Get Help
Domestic Violence / Counseling Programs
If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911 immediately. If you are in immediate need of shelter or need additional help, call the numbers listed below.
SPARCC's 24-hour Hotline: 941-365-1976
Florida Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-500-1119
Florida Sexual Violence Hotline: 888-956-RAPE (7273)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Violence Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474
Manatee Domestic Violence Center: H.O.P.E. 888-995-4673
Children and Families Sarasota: 941-316-6000
Manatee: 941-741-3001
Women's Resource Center: 941-366-1700
www.thewomensresourcecenter.org
Child Protection Center 941-365-1277
Consumer Assistance
F.L.A.S.H. (Florida Attorneys Saving Homes): 1-866-607-2187
Bar Association: Sarasota: 316-6000
Manatee: 741-4091
Florida Bar Referral: 1-800-342-8011
H.O.P.E. (Pre Foreclosure Hotline) 1-888-995-4673
Legal Hotline 1-800-625-2257
Immigration
Gulf Coast Legal Services: www.gulfcoastlegal.org
Bradenton: 716-6151
Clearwater: 727-443-0657
Sarasota: 366-1746
St. Pete: 727-821-0726
FIAC (Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center): 239-657-7442
Palmetto 941-721-0924
County / Court Numbers
Clerk of Courts
Sarasota 941-861-7400
Venice 941-861-7400
Mantee 941-749-1800
Family Mediation
Sarasota 941-708-6488
Manatee 941-861-7827
Guardian Ad Litem
Sarasota 941-861-4875
Manatee 941-749-7112
Law Library
Sarasota 941-861-8191
Manatee 941-741-4090
Public Defender
Sarasota 941-861-5500
Manatee 941-747-3011
Sheriff
Sarasota www.sarasotasheriff.org 941-861-5800
Manatee www.manateesheriff.com 941-747-3011
State Attorney
Sarasota 941-861-4400
Manatee 941-747-3077
Counseling
Jewish Family Services: 941-366-2224
Womens Resource Center: 941-366-1700
Children & Families
Sarasota: 941-316-6000
Manatee: 941-741-3000
Other Numbers
Labor Board (wages): 941-330-8296
Salvation Army (emergency financial assistance): 941-364-8854
Child Support Enforcement: 800-622-5437
Identity Theft Hotline: 877-438-4338
Elder Hot Line: 866-505-4888
Department of Labor (Accident): 800-321-6742
Consumer Fraud Complaints: 877-382-4357
Medicare Hotline: 800-633-4227
Veteran Affairs: 800-827-1000
Sarasota: 941-366-0038
Manatee: 941-747-1628
Venice: 941-492-4631
If Legal Aid of Manasota is unable to assist you we will refer you to the most appropriate legal assistance available in your area. In case of emergency, dial 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to common questions you might have, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.