Resources - Representing Yourself in a Civil Case: Things to Consider When Going to Court

DISCLAIMER

Many of the resources included in this Appendix are private or public organizations that are not controlled by the Massachusetts Trial Court. The Trial Court does not endorse or guarantee the quality of the service organizations listed or the accuracy of the contact information provided. This information is provided as a convenience to the reader and is intended to assist the self-represented litigant in making contact with an organization that might be helpful as the self-represented litigant looks for answers to questions or seeks legal assistance or other resources.

The information included in the Appendix is as accurate as possible as of the date of publication, but may change over time. It should provide enough information to get you started in your search for representation in your civil case, if that is your intention.

Appendix A

RESOURCES

Introduction

There are many resources available to help people represent themselves in court. The Trial Court law libraries located throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can be an excellent resource. The Trial Court law libraries are available to assist people who have questions about the law and court process and can direct visitors to additional resources. This Appendix contains a list of the seventeen Trial Court law libraries.

Bar associations – statewide, county, and local – can be another source of information. This Appendix contains contact information for the Massachusetts Bar Association, a statewide organization, as well as county bar associations.

There are a number of websites that provide helpful information for people with legal problems or who want to bring a civil claim or respond to a civil claim that has been brought against them. In this Appendix you will find a list of some Trial Court and other government websites that may answer some of your questions or lead you to additional information.

You may decide that you want to be represented by a lawyer, but don’t know how to locate one. You will find contact information in this Appendix for a number of organizations that provide legal representation or can refer you to a lawyer who might be able to represent you. Each organization has its own eligibility requirements (i.e., income requirements) and decides for itself what types of cases it will accept.

ON THE WEB

The contents of this book and any updates can be found on the Internet at
www.mass.gov/courts/ where you can also download a copy.

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