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Homepage Free Oregon Modest Means Program Form
Content Overview

The Oregon Modest Means Program offers a valuable resource for individuals in need of legal assistance but who may not qualify for traditional legal aid. This program is specifically designed for moderate-income residents of Oregon, providing access to lawyers who have agreed to charge reduced rates for their services. The application form is essential for initiating the process, as it requires applicants to provide detailed information about their legal matters, income, and household situation. By completing the form, individuals can request assistance with specific types of legal issues, including family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant disputes, and foreclosure matters. The form outlines the eligibility criteria, which depend on factors such as income, assets, and the availability of participating lawyers in the applicant's area. It is important to note that applicants must sign and date the form, and it should be submitted without any additional documents. Once submitted, applications are typically processed within one business day, and applicants will be contacted regarding their eligibility and potential referrals. The initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer costs no more than $35, with subsequent hourly rates based on the applicant's financial situation. Understanding these key aspects of the form can help individuals navigate the application process more effectively and access the legal support they need.

Similar forms

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  • Financial Affidavit: This document is used in family law cases to disclose income and expenses. It parallels the Modest Means Program's focus on financial details to evaluate eligibility for assistance.
  • Retainer Agreement: While this document outlines the terms of engagement with a lawyer, it also addresses fees and costs, similar to how the Modest Means Program explains payment structures and expectations.
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Preview - Oregon Modest Means Program Form

Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM

Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR 97281-1935

Voice: (503) 684-3763 (800) 452-7636 Fax: (503) 431-6444

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING APPLICATION:

Oregon lawyers created the Modest Means Program to help moderate-income Orego- nians find affordable legal assistance. The program is intended to help those who earn too much to qualify for legal aid, but who cannot afford traditional legal fees. Modest Means lawyers have agreed to charge reduced rates for legal work provided to clients referred to them through the program. There is no grant, fund or subsidy that makes up the difference between the lawyers’ regular rates and the Modest Means Program rates. The lawyers DJUHHWRFKDUJHUHGXFHG rates because they believe in the mission of this program and want to help.

Types of Matters: Modest Means lawyers only handle certain kinds of family law, crim- inal defense, landlord/tenant and foreclosure matters. If the specific area of law with which you need help is not listed on the application, then it is not part of the program.

To Apply: Before you can be referred to a Modest Means lawyer you must apply and be pre-qualified. To apply, you must complete the application form and return it to us by fax, mail, or email (legalhelp@oregonstatebar.org--PDFs ONLY). You can call the number listed above for the application form or download it from the bar’s website at www.oregonstatebar.org.

Please do not forget to sign and date your application. Your application will not be processed if you do not fill out your application completely, or fail to sign or date it. Do not include any other documents with your application – any documents you send to us will not be returned. We process most applications within one (1) business day. If you provide an email address, please check your email account for your referral or for questions that we may have about your application.

Eligibility: Eligibility is based on the type and location of your legal matter, your in- come and assets, your location, and availability of participating lawyers in your area. It is important to understand there are a limited number of lawyers in the program, and there may not be a Modest Means lawyer in your county. We cannot guarantee that we will have a lawyer for you even if you pre-qualify. In addition, your legal matter must be in Oregon and both parties must live in Oregon to be eligible for the Modest Means Program. If both parties do not live in Oregon you will not be referred to a Modest Means Program lawyer even if your legal matter is in Oregon.

(continued on next page)

Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM

Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR 97281-1935

Voice: (503) 684-3763 (800) 452-7636 Fax: (503) 431-6444

Qualification Process: You will be contacted by email or telephone after your application has been reviewed. If you pre-qualify, we will give you the name and phone number of a lawyer in your area for you to contact. The lawyer to whom we refer you will receive a copy of your application and may ask additional questions to confirm your eligibility for the program. The lawyer has the final say as to whether or not you qualify for the program.

Initial Consultation: If you are referred to a Modest Means lawyer, you will need to call the lawyer to make an appointment for your initial 30-minute consultation. Your consultation will cost no more than $35, payable at the time that you meet with the lawyer.

Hiring a Modest Means Program Lawyer: Whether or not you hire the lawyer to represent you after your initial consultation is a decision for both you and the lawyer to make. We cannot guarantee that a lawyer will agree to take your case. All Modest Means lawyers who participate are volunteers and have the right to choose whether or not they will accept your case.

Legal Fees & Costs: Lawyers who are willing to accept Modest Means clients have agreed to charge no more than $60, $80, or $100 per hour for any services they provide beyond the initial $35, 30-minute consultation. Which hourly rate will apply to you depends upon your income and assets. You will be asked to pay a retainer (deposit against fees) up front. The retainer amount will be determined by the lawyer following your initial consultation. The amount of the retainer will depend on the lawyer's esti-mate of how much work will be required to complete your case. You will also be charged for any court fees and other direct costs, including phone charges, photocopy expenses, etc.

The Modest Means Program is not a legal aid program and it is not a pro bono (free) program. You must be able to pay $35 for an initial consultation, plus $60/80/100 per hour (as applicable) for any work done beyond the initial consultation. In order to be referred to a Modest Means Program lawyer, your application must demonstrate that you have the ability to pay these fees. If someone will be helping you pay for your legal fees and costs please explain that on your application. If you are unable to pay these fees and costs, you should contact the legal aid office in your county of resi- dence. The Oregon State Bar does not have a referral program for pro bono (free) lawyers.

Portland Metro Area: (503) 684-3763

Elsewhere in Oregon: (800) 452-7636

Fax: (503) 431-6444

Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page 1-3)

Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR 97281-1935

Voice: (503) 684-3763 (800) 452-7636 Fax: (503) 431-6444

INSTRUCTIONS: Please print clearly or type. Please sign and date your application. Your application will not be processed if you do not fill out your application completely, or fail to sign or date it. Do not include any other documents with this application – any documents you send to us will not be returned. We process most applications within one (1) business day. If you provide an e-mail address, please check your e-mail account for your referral or questions we may have about your application. Fax or mail your completed application to us:

OREGON STATE BAR MODEST MEANS PROGRAM, P.O. BOX 231935, TIGARD, OR 97281-1935

FAX: (503) 431-6444 EMAIL: legalhelp@oregonstatebar.org

Please note: All information provided will be treated as confidential communications made for the purpose of facilitating the rendering of professional legal services to you. We will preserve the confidentiality of all such information unless otherwise required by law.

First Name

Last Name

Address

 

City

Zip Code

Phone Number

E-mail Address [If you provide an e-mail address that is how you will be notified.]

Family Law (No Appeals)

Criminal Law (No Capital Charges or Appeals)

Divorce/Separation

Misdemeanor

Custody/Parenting Time

Lesser Felony

Support/Modification

Major Felony

Juvenile/DHS/CSD/SCF issues

DUII/DWS

Paternity

Parole/Probation

Restraining Orders

Expungement

Process Questions

 

Domestic Violence

Real Property (No Appeals)

Grandparent/3rd Party Rights

Foreclosure

Spousal Support

Landlord-Tenant (Tenant)

Coaching (General)

Landlord-Tenant (Landlord)

Document Review

Mobile Home (Tenant)

 

Mobile Home (Landlord)

In which city/county do you need assistance?

 

When is your next court date (if applicable)?

 

What is the name of the opposing party?

 

Does the opposing party have an attorney?

 

If yes, what is the attorney’s name?

 

Are both parties in Oregon?

 

Have you already consulted with an attorney?

 

If yes, what is the attorney’s name?

 

Reason you are looking for another attorney:

 

 

Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page 2-3)

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

E-mail Address

A household consists of people with whom you share income and expenses, who live in your home at least 50% of the time.

How many people live in your household including you?

_____Adults

_____Children

 

 

Marital Status:

Unmarried or Widowed

Married

Separated

Divorced

Do you and your spouse live in the same household?

 

Yes

No

N/A

Do you rent or own the home in which you are living?

 

Rent

Own

 

Do you own any land or a house, even if you do not live there?

Yes

No

 

Make of each vehicle owned

Year

Model

 

 

Value (est.)

1.

2.

Gross Income (before taxes)

 

(per month)

Wages:

$

 

Spousal Support:

$

 

Child Support:

$

 

Veteran's Benefit:

$

 

Unemployment:

$

 

SSI/SSD:

$

 

TANF (not SNAP):

$

 

Public Benefits, Aid, SNAP:

$

 

Retirement/Investment Income:

$

 

Other income (please specify):

$

 

Total Gross Income:

$

0

Special Expenses & Debts1

 

(Per Month)

 

$

 

 

$

 

Liquid Assets

 

 

Checking Account Balance

$

 

Savings Account Balance

$

 

Money Market/Other Account

$

 

Total Liquid Assets:

$

0

Non-liquid Assets

 

 

Amount in Retirement Plans (401k),

 

 

mutual funds, securities, bonds, etc.:

$

 

Other non-liquid assets (please specify):

 

 

 

$

 

Total Non-liquid Assets:

$

0

Partner/Family Members in Household :

(Gross Income

 

 

per month)

Medical2(see explanation below):

$

 

 

 

 

Child Care3(see explanation below):

$

 

Name

Relationship

 

Transportation4(see explanation below):

$

 

 

 

$

Spousal Support:

$

 

 

 

$

Child Support:

$

 

If not already listed above, what is your

 

 

 

 

spouse's gross income per month?

 

Total Special Expenses/Debts:

$

0

(Please estimate, if separated.)

$

1Ordinary expenses that most people have (such as rent, food, utilities) are considered in the basic income calculations and should not be listed here. Other personal and discretionary expenses such as car payments, car insurance, and credit card debts are not considered under our guidelines.

2“Medical” refers to medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. 3“Child Care” refers to costs incurred while a parent is at work.

4“Transportation” refers to basic transportation costs to get to and from work (bus tickets, gas).

Have you submitted an application before?

Yes

No If so, when?

By signing below, I certify that all information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand and agree that if I provide inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or false information on this application, or to any Modest Means Program attorney, I may be disqualified from participation in any and all Referral & Information Services programs, including the Modest Means Program.

Signature

Date

 

B E L O W I S F O R O F F I C E U S E O N L Y

Eligible:

Y

N

Tier:

1

2

3

$

/hour Notes:

(rev. 5/18

 

Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page 3-3)

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

E-mail Address

Briefly describe the legal matter for which you are seeking assistance:

Key takeaways

When considering the Oregon Modest Means Program, it is essential to understand the key aspects of the application process and eligibility criteria. Here are five important takeaways:

  • Eligibility Requirements: The program is designed for moderate-income individuals who earn too much for legal aid but cannot afford standard legal fees. Your eligibility will depend on your income, assets, the type of legal matter, and the availability of participating lawyers in your area.
  • Application Submission: Complete the application form accurately and submit it via fax, mail, or email. Ensure that you sign and date the application; otherwise, it will not be processed. Do not include any additional documents, as they will not be returned.
  • Initial Consultation Costs: If referred to a Modest Means lawyer, the initial 30-minute consultation will cost no more than $35. This fee is payable at the time of the meeting, and you will be informed of any additional costs for ongoing legal services.
  • Limited Scope of Services: Modest Means lawyers only handle specific types of legal matters, including family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant disputes, and foreclosure cases. If your legal issue does not fall within these categories, you will not be able to access the program.
  • Lawyer Selection: After your application is reviewed, you may be referred to a lawyer who will then confirm your eligibility. Keep in mind that the final decision on whether to accept your case lies with the lawyer, as they are volunteers who choose their clients.

File Details

Fact Name Description
Purpose of the Program The Modest Means Program assists moderate-income Oregonians in accessing affordable legal services. It targets individuals who earn too much for legal aid but cannot afford standard legal fees.
Eligibility Criteria Eligibility hinges on the type and location of the legal matter, income, assets, and whether both parties reside in Oregon. A lack of available lawyers in the area may also affect eligibility.
Application Process To apply, individuals must complete the application form and submit it via fax, mail, or email. Applications are typically processed within one business day, and a signature is required for processing.
Legal Fees Lawyers participating in the program charge reduced rates, ranging from $60 to $100 per hour after an initial consultation fee of $35. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay these fees to qualify.

Documents used along the form

The Oregon Modest Means Program is designed to assist individuals who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but still struggle to afford traditional legal fees. When applying for this program, several other forms and documents may also be required to ensure a smooth process. Below is a list of commonly used forms that can accompany the Modest Means Program application.

  • Income Verification Document: This document provides proof of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. It helps establish your financial eligibility for the program.
  • Asset Disclosure Form: This form details your assets, including property, vehicles, and savings. It is essential for assessing your overall financial situation.
  • Commercial Lease Agreement: If you are entering into a rental arrangement for a commercial property, it is essential to utilize a Commercial Lease Agreement form to ensure that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined and legally binding.
  • Debt Statement: A summary of your debts, including credit cards, loans, and other obligations, can give a clearer picture of your financial responsibilities.
  • Identification Proof: A copy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, is often required to verify your identity.
  • Legal Matter Description: A brief statement outlining the nature of your legal issue helps the program staff understand your needs and direct you to the appropriate resources.
  • Consultation Agreement: This document outlines the terms of your initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer, including fees and services provided.
  • Client Intake Form: This form collects essential information about you and your case, ensuring that the lawyer has all the necessary details to assist you effectively.
  • Consent to Release Information: This form allows the program to share your information with the assigned lawyer, facilitating communication and collaboration.
  • Referral Confirmation: After your application is processed, this document confirms the lawyer you have been referred to and their contact information.

Being prepared with these documents can significantly enhance your application experience and improve your chances of receiving the legal assistance you need. Remember, clarity and completeness in your submissions will help expedite the process.