Overview
Have questions about your family law case but unable to afford an attorney? Attend the Worcester Probate & Family Court Lawyer for the Day Program on most Wednesday mornings at the Worcester Probate and Family Court Registry to speak with a volunteer lawyer for free. A volunteer lawyer will spend about 30 minutes with you to discuss your case and advise on next steps. No in-court representation provided.
In partnership with the Worcester Probate & Family Court Registry and Worcester County Bar Association, this program is coordinated by Community Legal Aid (CLA), a non-profit organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of Worcester County. All program attendees must meet CLA's client eligibility requirements to receive assistance from the volunteer lawyer.
Day and time
Most Wednesday mornings from 9am-1pm. You must check in by 8:45 a.m. to determine eligibility. Space is limited and dependent on volunteer capacity.
Please call the Registry at (508) 831-2200 to confirm that a volunteer lawyer is scheduled for the Wednesday you plan to attend.
Location
Check in at the Worcester Probate & Family Court Registry (Second Floor of the Worcester County Courthouse, 225 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608).
Eligibility
The Lawyer for the Day Program is intended for low-income, pro se litigants who cannot afford an attorney. Assistance is dependent on your financial eligibility and volunteer capacity. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to speak to a volunteer lawyer if you do not qualify or if the program is full for that day
Services
The volunteer attorney can give you advice and help you complete or review court forms. The volunteer attorney will not represent you in a hearing or file any forms on your behalf.
Other information
The volunteer attorney can provide you with advice on most family law matters except: probate matters, guardianships/conservatorships of incapacitated people, Juvenile Court cases.
The volunteer attorney cannot advise you on matters involving restraining orders or domestic violence.
If you are seeking assistance with a family law matter that involves domestic violence, please apply for help directly at Community Legal Aid:
COMMUNITYLEGAL.ORG/GET-HELP
(855) 252-5342