Legal Resources
Online Resources
These resources are available anytime to help you learn about your rights, connect with services, and understand legal options—all from your own home.
Health Law Advocates – Mental Health Advocacy for Kids
If you are having difficulty accessing mental health services or special education services for your grandchild, you can contact the Mental Health Advocacy for Kids Program at Health Law Advocates. Check the website to see if your community is covered by this program. healthlawadvocates.org – MHAP for Kids
MassLegalHelp.org
The Children, Families and Divorce section of this website includes information about child support, custody and visitation, paternity, guardianship, Care and Protection cases and DCF involvement, as well as information about Probate and Family Court. There is also information about forms, applications, and useful brochures and booklets. All information provided is available in multiple languages. www.masslegalhelp.org
Questions about laws affecting grandfamilies? Contact Your State Legislator
If you have a question or concern about state laws concerning guardianship or other related issues, you can contact your state representative or state senator. Find and reach out to your state senator or representative. malegislature.gov
Volunteer Lawyers Project
Free civil legal services for income-eligible individuals in the Greater Boston area. vlpnet.org
- The Massachusetts Senior Legal Helpline offers free legal information and referrals to Massachusetts residents age 60+. Run by the Volunteer Lawyers Project, it’s open Monday–Friday, 9AM–12PM.
MA Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
MIRA is a statewide coalition working to promote the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. miracoalition.org
In-Person and Virtual Resources
These resources offer hands-on help if you’re going to court or need one-on-one guidance.
Court Service Centers
Court Service Centers can help people navigate the court system. Centers are available to all court users without lawyers, and there are no income or immigration status requirements. All services in the Court Service Centers are free, but there may be other fees associated with your case, such as filing fees.
- In-person availability at select courthouses https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-court-service-centers#court-service-center-locations
- Virtual court services via Zoom or phone https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-the-virtual-court-service-center
- Learn about Court Service Centers https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-court-service-centers
Lawyer of the Day (Probate and Family Courts)
If you’re going to court without a lawyer, the Lawyer of the Day program can offer helpful support at select Probate and Family Court locations. Services may include:
- One-on-one consultations to answer your legal questions
- Help filling out and reviewing court paperwork
- General guidance to help you understand the court process
Note: Lawyers in this program do not represent you in court, do not form ongoing attorney-client relationships, and cannot assist individuals who already have a lawyer.
To check if a Lawyer of the Day will be available at your court location on a given day, contact the court directly in advance.