Pro Bono Legal Assistance

The Pro Bono Program assists low-income residents of Montgomery County, Maryland obtain free legal representation. Volunteer private practice attorneys are solicited by the Program to provide free legal guidance and/or representation in the areas of absolute divorce, custody, name changes, adoption/guardianship, landlord/tenant (security deposits only), bankruptcy/debt collection matters, wills, powers of attorney, and in limited circumstances immigration and employment cases.

• If you need a lawyer, but cannot afford one, you may be eligible to receive FREE LEGAL HELP from volunteer attorneys with the Pro Bono Program.
• You may contact the Pro Bono Program at (301) 424-7651 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for an initial eligibility screening.
• If you appear to be eligible, based on the information you provide us, we will mail you intake forms to complete and return to us. There is a $25.00 processing fee. Once your information is complete, we will place you on a waiting list for the next available attorney.
• The Pro Bono Program depends on volunteers; therefore, it may take several months to find an attorney who is available to represent you in court. For this reason, the Program cannot assist individuals who have emergency cases.

Cases Handled by the Program:

• Absolute Divorce (Separated 1 year)
• Separation Agreements
• Custody
• Adoption/Guardianship
• Simple Name Changes
• Bankruptcy (Simple Chapter 7)
• Limited Debt Collection Defense
• Private Landlord Tenant (Security Deposits Only)
• Limited Immigration cases (Simple Change of Status)
• Limited Employment cases (Wage Claims)
• Wills and Powers of Attorney

Cases NOT Handled by the Program:

• Emergency Cases
• Criminal and Traffic Cases
• Social Security, Unemployment, or Worker’s Compensation Cases
•  Any Fee-Generating Cases
• Public Benefits
•  Public Housing
• Alimony/Child Support/Visitation (if not part of custody/divorce proceedings)
• Appeals
•  Post-Decree Motions (orders, enforcement, or modification proceedings of any kind)