Individuals sometimes need legal help with civil (non-criminal) matters. For those age 60 or older who cannot afford to pay privately, legal assistance is available through the Older Americans Act Legal Services Program. Funding goes to the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in North Carolina, which contract for legal services with Legal Aid of North Carolina (Legal Aid NC) and a few private attorneys. Services generally include simple wills, powers of attorney and advance medical directives such as health care powers of attorney and living wills. Legal Aid NC offices also offer help with housing, foreclosure, consumer debt, utilities and benefits cases.

The federal Older Americans Act funds this service and specifies that it target seniors in the greatest need without using economic means testing.   The services benefit adults age 60 and older, with emphasis on those who are in the greatest economic or social need (that is, isolation or limitation due to some physical or mental disability).  It provides assistance to the homebound, residents in long-term care settings and congregate (group) meal sites.