Legal Resources

Thank you for reaching out to the Barnstable County Bar Association. We are only able to provide free legal advice on certain types of family law matters. However, there are many low-cost or no-cost government agencies, non-profit agencies and other legal services providers who may be able to help you with other types of legal issues. Here is a list of resources, by category.

DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDERS

The following organizations can provide lawyers who can assist you directly in the categories specified.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services – www.sccls.org – 800-244-9023 – will provide free legal counsel to citizens below certain income and asset thresholds, and to the elderly regardless of income. It handles unemployment, social security, eviction and many other issues.

Justice Bridge Legal Center - www.justice-bridge.org – (508) 449-9296 - provides discounted legal services at $50 to $75 per hour for clients falling within 200 to 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $48,600 in annual income for a family of four). It provides consultation and advice, as well as limited attorney representation (LAR) and full legal representation, in these areas – housing (including evictions and breach of warranty law), debt collection and re-finance, bankruptcy, probate, immigration (special immigrant juvenile status/SIJS, unaccompanied minors), family law (including divorce, custody, alimony, child support, modifications), employment law, and education law (including special education appeals).

We Can – www.wecancenter.org - 508-430-8111 – Offers a variety of services to women (sorry, guys). We Can offers free 30-minute, one-to-one consultations with an attorney to help you get targeted advice on legal issues, so you can know your rights. Our volunteer attorneys each know different types of law. Legal topics include: Family Law. Wills and Estates. Landlord-Tenant. Immigration. Bankruptcy.Elder Law. Business Law. Grandparent’s Rights.Real Estate

Elder Services of Cape Cod - www.escci.org - 800-244-4630 - Information and Referral The I & R Department is a central source of information on all services available to older adults on Cape Cod. A call to their toll-free number will help you find the assistance that you need. Services include Long Term Care Screening – required screenings for individuals seeking Medicaid reimbursed services such as nursing home care, adult day health programs. Options Counseling, a short-term decision support process to assist consumers of any income (elders age 60 or older, or individuals over the age of 18 with any disability) and their family members, caregivers or others in making an informed choice about long term services. Protective Services provides 24/7 assistance for anyone 60 or older who has been abused, neglected, financially exploited or is at risk of harm due to self-neglect. Long Term Care Ombudsman Program has trained advocates who visit nursing and rest homes on a weekly basis to monitor conditions and to meet with residents to discuss their concerns about their care.

REFERRAL SERVICES

These resources can help you find attorneys who may be able to help you.

Massachusetts Bar Legal Referral Service – www.MassLawHelp.com – 617-654-0400; email LRS@massbar.org. This is one of the largest legal referral services in the country. You can get help 24/7 and schedule online. They do not offer free advice, but typically charge of $25 for a half-hour consult.

MassLegalHelp - www.masslegalhelp.org – no phone, must contact online – a clearing house for low cost/no cost legal services.

FOR CIVIL LAWSUITS

Small Claims Court - www.mass.gov/small-claims - Small claims can handle consumer complaints against businesses and others, typically up to $7,000 in damages. You do not need a lawyer to use this forum.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Committee for Public Counsel Services (Legal Aid) – 508-862-8034 – Provides free attorneys in in all matters in which require the appointment of counsel. This includes representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, mental health, sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction matters. They also handle immigration consequences for noncitizens clients.

OTHER RESOURCES INCLUDE:

Consumer Assistance Council – www.consumercouncil.com – 508-771-0700. The Council handles consumer complaints against businesses, and deals with automotive, home improvement, landlord-tenant and many other issues. It offers free mediation services and is available to all without regard to income.

Barnstable County Dept. of Human Services – www.bchumanservices.net – 508-375-6628. This agency handles public health issues, aging and disability, mental health, housing and other issues.

Community Action Committee – www.cacci.cc – 508-771-1727 – The CAC assists lower income individual and families on matters relating to health care, homeless prevention, educational support for seniors and other services

LEGAL INFORMATION – General

Barnstable Law Library - www.mass.gov/locations/barnstable-law-library - 508-362-8539. Not just for lawyers, the Barnstable Law Library offers many services to consumers; in fact, about 75% of the people it serves are private citizens with questions about the law. You can call them, email them, or have an online chat with a reference librarian. You can also text your question to their special text line, 866-885-6277.

LANDLORD/TENANT & MORTGAGE-RELATED ONLY

Cape Cod Housing Assistance Corp – www.haconcapecod.org – 508-240-1717 ext. 104 – Provides rental assistance for tenants and landlords.

State Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance – www.mass.gov/covidhousinghelp - can provide assistance to those struggling to pay rent or mortgages.

MassLandlords Helpline – www.masslandlords.net - 774-314-1896.

Legal Assistance for Landlords – Volunteer Lawyer Project – www.vlpnet.org/get-help -- 617-603-1700

We hope you find this information helpful.