Reduced Fee Program

The Reduced Fee Program (RFP) extends the MCBA Lawyer Referral Service to people who can't afford to pay a lawyer's ordinary fees and who don't qualify for free legal assistance from the Middlesex County Legal Services Corporation or other no-cost legal services.

Please read these Reduced Fee Income Guidelines.

  • Access to the Justice System

  • Legal Representation at an Affordable Price

Reduced Fee Program Practice Areas

  • Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 only)
  • Criminal Matters
  • Expungements
  • Family Matters
  • Foreclosures (Defense only)
  • Landlord / Tenant
  • Municipal Court Matters
  • Name Change
  • Small Claims Actions
  • Special Civil Part Actions
  • Tort Defense

Lawyer Retainer and Fee Schedule

Upon qualification and if the lawyer agrees to undertake representation of the person referred, panel members agree to limit counsel fees to $75 per hour in accordance with the following retainer/flat fee schedule:

Case Type Retainer
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) $925
Child Visitation $450
Child Support or Modification $450
Criminal $750
Custody Dispute $1,500
Divorce (Constested) $1,725
Divorce (Simple) $375
Domestic Violence $375
Expungements $300
Foreclosures (Defense only) $600
Juvenile Court $375
Municipal $300
Municipal Court (DWI) $375
Name Change $300
Post Judgement Enforcement Orders $525
Small Claims $225
Special Civil Part $300
Tenant $225
Tort Defense $750
Unemployment Appeals $375
Unmarried Child Support & Custody $750

$35 or less for a 30-minute consultation from a qualified, local lawyer.

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