Legal Resources

On this page are some of the legal resources we identify as potentially helpful to our constituents. The OCA is not affiliated with any of these resources, this is a non-exhaustive list of relevant sources of further information

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS)

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) provides legal representation in Massachusetts for those unable to afford an attorney in all matters in which the law requires the appointment of counsel. This includes representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, and child welfare.

To view a list of attorneys, or to file a complaint about an attorney, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.publiccounsel.net/ 

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts (CLCM)

The Children's Law Center of Massachusetts (CLCM) has a statewide helpline to help parents, youth, and other professionals with their legal issues, including help finding an attorney. CLCM commonly takes calls regarding educational issues, juvenile justice issues, and the rights of children who have aged out of foster care or other state services. 

For more information, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: www.clcm.org  

EdLaw Project

The EdLaw Project provides direct educational advocacy for Massachusetts’ highest risk youth. Advocacy domains include school exclusion, having trouble reintegrating after detention or incarceration, receiving inadequate education while in state custody, and struggling with undetected and underserved special needs.

The Edlaw Project is an initiative between the Youth Advocacy Foundation and the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Children & Family Law and Youth Advocacy Divisions.

For more information about services, and to determine a child’s eligibility, call the helpline at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here www.edlawproject.org  

Mass Legal Help

Mass Legal Help provides information on legal issues such as child welfare, mental health, housing, and domestic violence, among others. Information on specific legal issues can be found on their website. You can also use the "Find Legal Aid" tool to search for an attorney.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.masslegalhelp.org/

Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

The Massachusetts Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can assist you in finding an attorney in your area to answer questions and help resolve legal problems. Their website also provides information about legal issues and how to choose a lawyer for your case.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.masslawhelp.com/ 

Dial-A-Lawyer: Free Legal Advice by Phone

The Massachusetts Bar Association sponsors a monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program and encourages members of the public to call their hotline to get free legal advice. Attorneys are available to answer questions on a variety of topics, including family law, bankruptcy, real estate, labor and consumer rights and more.

To use Dial-A-Lawyer, call [phone] on the first Wednesday of the month between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There is no limit to the number of calls you can make, or how many times you call during the year.

For more information about the program, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.massbar.org/public/dial-a-lawyer 

Disability Law Center

The Disability Law Center provides legal representation for Massachusetts residents with disabilities, including physical, psychiatric, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. The Disability Law Center works on issues such as special education rights, access to healthcare, and access to state services, among others.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.dlc-ma.org/

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC)

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) provides information and referrals to those facing a legal problem related to a mental health issue. MHLAC can also provide legal representation in certain cases related to mental health, such as school suspensions/expulsion and custody/visitation issues.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://mhlac.org/

File a Complaint against a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) 

A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is a person who can be assigned by the court to investigate and/or evaluate the child, the child’s family, and the child’s home life; and to share findings with the judge in care and protection cases.

To file a complaint against a GAL, call [phone] or send postal mail to: Probate and Family Court Administrative Office 3 Center Plaza, Suite 210 Boston, MA 02108.

Regional Legal Resources

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) provides free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in Boston and 31 additional cities and towns in the Greater Boston area. GBLS attorneys can help with issues such as child support, custody cases, restraining order, and accessing public benefits, among others. 

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://www.gbls.org/

Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder

The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder website can help you find an attorney in your community that may be able to help you for free or at a low cost. There is also legal information and self-help material available on the website. Legal Resource Finder serves Eastern Massachusetts. 

For more information, visit their website by clicking here: https://masslrf.org/en/home

Community Legal Aid

Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of Central and Western Massachusetts. They work to assure fairness for all in the justice system, protecting homes, livelihoods, health, and families. 

For more information, call the intake line at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: https://communitylegal.org/

South Coastal Counties Legal Assistance, Inc.

South Coastal Counties Legal Assistance, Inc. provides free or low cost legal assistance in matters related to Family Law, Education, Housing, Immigration and more.

For more information, call the intake line at [phone], or visit their website by clicking here: https://sccls.org/

Volunteer Lawyers Project

Volunteer Lawyers Project serves low-income families and individuals in the Greater Boston Area and strives to increase access to free legal services for clients. They provide assistance in civil cases for a variety of legal issues, including family members seeking guardianship of child whose parents are unavailable and/or unfit. 

For more information, call the Legal Intake Helpline at [phone] or visit their website by clicking here: https://vlpnet.org/