The Oregon Modest Means Program form is a public application designed to assist moderate-income Oregonians in accessing affordable legal services. Created by Oregon lawyers, this program aims to bridge the gap for those who earn too much for legal aid but still struggle with traditional legal fees. If you believe you qualify, consider filling out the form by clicking the button below.
The Oregon Modest Means Program is a valuable resource designed to assist moderate-income residents who need legal help but find traditional legal fees out of reach. This program was established by Oregon lawyers who are committed to making legal services more accessible. The application form serves as the first step in this process, allowing individuals to apply for reduced-fee legal assistance. By filling out this form, applicants provide important information about their income, assets, and specific legal matters, which helps determine eligibility. The program covers certain types of cases, including family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant disputes, and foreclosure issues. Once submitted, applications are typically processed within one business day, and applicants may receive a referral to a participating lawyer who has agreed to charge reduced rates. It's crucial to understand that this program does not offer free legal services; instead, it provides affordable options for those who can manage some costs. The initial consultation is capped at $35, and subsequent fees depend on the lawyer's hourly rate, which varies based on the applicant's financial situation. For those seeking legal assistance in Oregon, the Modest Means Program can be a lifeline, connecting them with dedicated professionals willing to help within their financial means.
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.
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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)
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?
Reason you are looking for another attorney:
Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page 2-3)
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?
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:
Non-liquid Assets
Amount in Retirement Plans (401k),
mutual funds, securities, bonds, etc.:
Other non-liquid assets (please specify):
Total Non-liquid Assets:
Partner/Family Members in Household :
(Gross Income
per month)
Medical2(see explanation below):
Child Care3(see explanation below):
Name
Relationship
Transportation4(see explanation below):
If not already listed above, what is your
spouse's gross income per month?
Total Special Expenses/Debts:
(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?
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)
Briefly describe the legal matter for which you are seeking assistance:
Completing the Oregon Modest Means Program form is a straightforward process. Follow the steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and can be processed without delays.
After submitting your application, it will be reviewed. If you qualify, you will receive a referral to a Modest Means lawyer. Keep an eye on your email or phone for any follow-up questions or your referral details.
The Oregon Modest Means Program is designed to assist moderate-income individuals in Oregon who need legal help but cannot afford traditional legal fees. This program connects eligible applicants with lawyers who have agreed to charge reduced rates for their services. It serves those who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but still struggle to pay standard attorney fees.
The Modest Means Program focuses on specific areas of law. Eligible matters include:
If your legal issue does not fall into one of these categories, it will not be covered by the program.
To apply, you need to complete the application form and submit it to the Oregon State Bar. You can send it via fax, mail, or email (as a PDF). Make sure to include all required information and sign and date your application; otherwise, it will not be processed. Once submitted, most applications are reviewed within one business day. If you provide an email address, check it regularly for updates regarding your application.
The initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer costs no more than $35. After this consultation, the hourly rates for additional services will be capped at $60, $80, or $100, depending on your income and assets. A retainer will also be required, which is an upfront payment based on the lawyer's estimate of the work needed for your case. Remember, this program is not free; you must be able to pay these fees to participate.
Filling out the Oregon Modest Means Program form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay or even derail their application. Awareness of these pitfalls can save time and ensure a smoother experience. Here are eight frequent mistakes to avoid.
First, many applicants forget to sign and date their application. This step is crucial! Without a signature and date, the application will not be processed. It’s an easy oversight, but one that can lead to unnecessary delays in receiving legal assistance.
Another common error is providing incomplete information. Each section of the application is designed to gather specific details about your situation. Skipping questions or leaving them blank can raise red flags. Take your time to ensure that every part of the form is filled out accurately. Double-checking your answers can make a big difference.
Some applicants also fail to include their household composition. The application asks for the number of people living in your home, which helps determine eligibility. Not disclosing this information can lead to complications later in the process.
Additionally, many people misunderstand the income reporting requirements. It’s essential to report your gross income accurately, including all sources such as wages, spousal support, and benefits. Misreporting income can affect your eligibility and the legal fees you might incur later on.
Another mistake is neglecting to mention special expenses and debts. These details are vital for assessing your financial situation. If you have significant medical expenses or childcare costs, include them in the appropriate sections. This information can help provide a clearer picture of your financial needs.
Some applicants mistakenly include additional documents with their application. The instructions clearly state that no extra documents should accompany the form. Any documents submitted will not be returned, which can lead to confusion and frustration.
Moreover, failing to check your email regularly after submitting the application can lead to missed communication. If you provided an email address, the program may reach out to you for clarification or to provide a referral. Staying on top of your email can help you respond quickly and keep the process moving.
Lastly, some applicants do not fully understand the eligibility requirements. It’s important to know that both parties involved in your legal matter must reside in Oregon. If this condition isn’t met, you will not be referred to a Modest Means lawyer. Familiarizing yourself with these requirements can save you from unnecessary disappointment.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance your chances of a successful application to the Oregon Modest Means Program. Take your time, read the instructions carefully, and ensure that all required information is complete and accurate. Legal assistance is within reach, and a well-prepared application is the first step toward achieving it.
When applying for the Oregon Modest Means Program, there are several other forms and documents that may be relevant to your situation. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in the process, ensuring that your application is complete and that you receive the assistance you need. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that you might encounter.
Understanding these forms and documents can help streamline your application process and improve your chances of receiving the legal assistance you need. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that you are matched with the right resources and support tailored to your situation.
The Oregon Modest Means Program application form shares similarities with several other legal documents designed to assist individuals seeking affordable legal representation. Here are seven documents that exhibit comparable features:
When filling out the Oregon Modest Means Program form, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application for the Modest Means Program is handled efficiently and effectively.
This program is not a legal aid service. It is designed for individuals who earn too much to qualify for free legal assistance but cannot afford standard legal fees. Participants must be able to pay a consultation fee and hourly rates.
Only specific types of cases, such as family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant issues, and foreclosure matters, are eligible. If your legal issue falls outside these categories, it won't be handled by a Modest Means lawyer.
Before being referred to a lawyer, you must complete an application and be pre-qualified. This step ensures that you meet the program's eligibility criteria.
Due to the limited number of participating lawyers, there is no guarantee that a lawyer will be available in your area, even if you qualify. Availability can vary by location.
The initial consultation costs no more than $35. This fee is payable at the time of the meeting with the lawyer.
Applicants should not include any other documents. Any extra materials sent will not be returned, and the application will be processed based solely on the information provided in the form.
Even if you pre-qualify, there may not be a Modest Means lawyer available in your county. This limitation depends on the program's participating attorneys.
The program refers you to a specific lawyer based on your location and legal needs. You cannot select any lawyer you prefer from the list of participants.
The hourly rates charged by Modest Means lawyers vary based on your income and assets. Rates can be $60, $80, or $100 per hour, depending on your financial situation.
When filling out and using the Oregon Modest Means Program form, consider the following key takeaways: