Outline
The Oregon Modest Means Program offers a valuable resource for moderate-income residents seeking affordable legal assistance. Designed specifically for individuals who earn too much to qualify for traditional legal aid yet struggle to pay standard legal fees, this program connects applicants with lawyers willing to charge reduced rates. The application form is a crucial first step in this process, requiring potential clients to provide detailed information about their legal needs, income, and assets. Eligible legal matters include specific areas such as family law, criminal defense, landlord-tenant disputes, and foreclosure issues. To begin, applicants must complete the form and submit it via fax, mail, or email, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately and signed. After submission, the program typically processes applications within one business day, and applicants will be contacted to discuss their eligibility and potential referrals. It is important to note that while the program aims to assist as many individuals as possible, the availability of participating lawyers may vary by location, and not all applicants may be matched with legal representation. The initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer is capped at $35, with subsequent legal fees determined by the lawyer based on the client's financial situation. This structured approach allows individuals to access necessary legal services while managing their financial constraints.
Sample - Oregon Modest Means Program Form
Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM
Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR
Voice: (503)
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING APPLICATION:
Oregon lawyers created the Modest Means Program 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
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
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Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM
Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR
Voice: (503)
Qualification Process: You will be contacted by email or telephone after your application has been reviewed. If you
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
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,
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)
Elsewhere in Oregon: (800)
Fax: (503)
Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page
Oregon State Bar, Modest Means Program, PO Box 231935, Tigard, OR
Voice: (503)
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
OREGON STATE BAR MODEST MEANS PROGRAM, P.O. BOX 231935, TIGARD, OR
FAX: (503)
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 |
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 |
|
Coaching (General) |
|
Document Review |
Mobile Home (Tenant) |
|
Mobile Home (Landlord) |
In which city/county do you need assistance? |
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When is your next court date (if applicable)? |
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What is the name of the opposing party? |
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Does the opposing party have an attorney? |
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If yes, what is the attorney’s name? |
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Are both parties in Oregon? |
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Have you already consulted with an attorney? |
|
If yes, what is the attorney’s name? |
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Reason you are looking for another attorney: |
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|
Modest Means Program - PUBLIC APPLICATION FORM (Page |
First Name |
Last Name |
Phone Number |
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 |
|
|
|
Amount in Retirement Plans (401k), |
|
|
mutual funds, securities, bonds, etc.: |
$ |
|
Other |
|
|
|
$ |
|
Total |
$ |
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 |
First Name |
Last Name |
Phone Number |
Briefly describe the legal matter for which you are seeking assistance:
Form Information
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Purpose | The Modest Means Program aims to assist moderate-income Oregonians in obtaining affordable legal help when they do not qualify for traditional legal aid. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Eligibility is determined by income, assets, the nature of the legal matter, and the availability of participating lawyers in the applicant's area. |
| Types of Legal Matters | Modest Means lawyers handle specific areas including family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant issues, and foreclosure matters. |
| Application Process | Applicants must complete and submit the application form via fax, mail, or email. Incomplete applications will not be processed. |
| Initial Consultation Fee | The initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer costs no more than $35, payable at the time of the appointment. |
| Hourly Rates | Lawyers participating in the program charge reduced rates of $60, $80, or $100 per hour, depending on the applicant's income and assets. |
| Retainer Requirement | Applicants may be required to pay a retainer fee, which will be determined by the lawyer after the initial consultation. |
| Confidentiality | All information provided in the application is treated as confidential and is used solely for the purpose of legal service facilitation. |
| Limitations | The program is not a legal aid or pro bono service. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay the fees associated with the program. |
| Governing Law | The Modest Means Program operates under the guidelines established by the Oregon State Bar and relevant state laws regarding legal services. |
Detailed Guide for Filling Out Oregon Modest Means Program
Completing the Oregon Modest Means Program form is a crucial step in seeking affordable legal assistance. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed, and you will be contacted regarding your eligibility and potential referrals to participating lawyers.
- Download the application form from the Oregon State Bar website or request it by calling the provided phone numbers.
- Print the form clearly or type your responses.
- Fill out your personal information, including your first name, last name, address, city, zip code, phone number, and email address.
- Indicate the type of legal matter you need assistance with from the options provided.
- Provide details about your household, including the number of adults and children living with you.
- State your marital status and whether you and your spouse live together.
- Indicate if you rent or own your home and provide information on any additional properties you own.
- List your gross income sources and their amounts per month.
- Detail any special expenses and debts you incur monthly.
- Report your liquid and non-liquid assets, including account balances and the value of vehicles.
- Answer the questions regarding previous applications and sign the form to certify the accuracy of the information provided.
- Ensure the form is dated and complete, as incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Submit the completed form via fax, mail, or email as instructed.
Obtain Answers on Oregon Modest Means Program
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What is the Oregon Modest Means Program?
The Oregon Modest Means Program is designed to assist moderate-income individuals in Oregon who need legal help but cannot afford traditional legal fees. Created by Oregon lawyers, 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 legal aid but still struggle with legal costs.
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What types of legal matters are covered by the program?
Modest Means lawyers handle specific areas of law, including:
- Family law (excluding appeals)
- Criminal defense (excluding capital charges or appeals)
- Landlord/tenant issues
- Foreclosure matters
If your legal issue falls outside these categories, it will not be eligible for assistance through the program.
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How can I apply for the Modest Means Program?
To apply, you must complete the application form and submit it via fax, mail, or email (PDFs only). You can obtain the application form by calling the program or downloading it from the Oregon State Bar's website. Make sure to sign and date your application; otherwise, it will not be processed. Do not send any additional documents, as they will not be returned.
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What are the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility is determined by several factors, including:
- The type and location of your legal matter
- Your income and assets
- Your residency in Oregon
- The availability of participating lawyers in your area
It is important to note that if both parties involved in the legal matter do not reside in Oregon, you will not be eligible for the program.
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What happens after I submit my application?
Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted via email or phone. If you pre-qualify, you will receive the name and contact information of a lawyer in your area. The lawyer will review your application and may ask further questions to confirm your eligibility. Ultimately, the lawyer will decide whether to accept your case.
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What are the costs associated with the Modest Means Program?
The initial consultation with a Modest Means lawyer costs no more than $35. After this consultation, lawyers charge reduced hourly rates of $60, $80, or $100, depending on your income and assets. You may also need to pay a retainer and cover any court fees or additional costs related to your case.
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Is the Modest Means Program a legal aid or pro bono service?
No, the Modest Means Program is not a legal aid or pro bono service. It requires participants to pay for legal assistance, albeit at reduced rates. If you are unable to afford these fees, you should reach out to a legal aid office in your county for assistance.
Common mistakes
Completing the Oregon Modest Means Program form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes can lead to delays or disqualification. One frequent error is not signing or dating the application. If the application is missing a signature or date, it will not be processed. Applicants should ensure that they have completed this crucial step before submission.
Another common mistake involves failing to provide complete information. Incomplete applications will be rejected. This includes missing details about income, assets, or the nature of the legal matter. It is essential to fill out every section of the form thoroughly to avoid complications.
Some applicants mistakenly include additional documents with their application. The guidelines clearly state that no other documents should be sent along with the application. Any extra materials will not be returned and may hinder the processing of the application.
Inaccurate income reporting is another issue. Applicants must provide their gross income before taxes. If the income is misreported, it can affect eligibility. Make sure to double-check all figures and provide accurate estimates if necessary.
Many people overlook the eligibility criteria regarding residency. Both parties involved in the legal matter must reside in Oregon. If this requirement is not met, the application will be denied, regardless of the other qualifications.
Not specifying the type of legal matter can also lead to mistakes. The Modest Means Program only covers certain areas of law. If the legal issue does not fall within the specified categories, the application will not be accepted. Review the list carefully before submitting.
Some applicants fail to indicate if they have consulted with another attorney. This information is crucial, as it helps the program assess the applicant's situation. Be honest and transparent about any previous legal consultations.
Another common oversight is not providing an email address. If an email is not included, applicants may miss important communications regarding their application status. Providing a valid email address ensures timely updates and information.
Lastly, applicants may forget to check their email accounts regularly. After submission, the program may reach out for additional information or provide referrals. Staying on top of emails can help avoid unnecessary delays in the process.
Documents used along the form
The Oregon Modest Means Program is designed to assist individuals with moderate incomes in accessing affordable legal services. When applying for this program, you may encounter several other forms and documents that can help streamline the process or provide necessary information. Below is a list of these documents, along with brief descriptions of each.
- Income Verification Form: This document outlines your financial situation, including income sources and amounts. It helps establish your eligibility for the Modest Means Program.
- Asset Disclosure Form: This form requires you to list your assets, such as property and savings. It provides a complete picture of your financial standing.
- Initial Consultation Agreement: This agreement details the terms of your first meeting with a Modest Means lawyer, including the consultation fee and duration.
- Legal Representation Agreement: If you decide to hire a lawyer, this document outlines the terms of representation, including fees and responsibilities.
- Client Intake Form: This form collects basic personal information and details about your legal matter. It helps the lawyer prepare for your case.
- Fee Agreement: This document specifies the rates and payment terms for legal services beyond the initial consultation.
- Referral Confirmation: After your application is processed, this document confirms the lawyer you have been referred to and their contact information.
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure: This form ensures that there are no conflicts preventing the lawyer from representing you in your case.
- Legal Aid Referral Form: If you do not qualify for the Modest Means Program, this form can direct you to alternative legal aid resources.
- Feedback Form: After your experience with the program, you may be asked to fill out this form to provide feedback on the services received.
These documents play a crucial role in ensuring that your application is processed efficiently and that you receive the legal assistance you need. Be prepared to gather and complete these forms as part of your journey through the Oregon Modest Means Program.
Similar forms
- Legal Aid Application Form: Like the Modest Means Program form, a legal aid application form assesses financial eligibility for legal services. Both forms require detailed income and asset information to determine if the applicant qualifies for assistance.
- Pro Bono Services Application: This document is similar in that it seeks to connect individuals with volunteer attorneys willing to provide free legal services. Both applications require a description of the legal issue and the applicant's financial situation.
- Client Intake Form: A client intake form gathers essential information about a new client, including personal details and the nature of the legal issue. The Modest Means Program form also collects this information to facilitate the referral process.
- Fee Agreement Form: This form outlines the terms of payment between a client and an attorney. While the Modest Means Program specifies reduced rates, a fee agreement form formalizes the understanding of costs associated with legal services.
- Retainer Agreement: Similar to the fee agreement, a retainer agreement establishes the upfront payment required for legal services. The Modest Means Program mentions a retainer, indicating that this document serves a similar purpose in defining payment terms.
- Confidentiality Agreement: This document ensures that any shared information between a client and attorney remains private. The Modest Means Program form also emphasizes confidentiality, assuring applicants that their information will be protected.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the Oregon Modest Means Program form, it is important to approach the process with care. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow:
- Do read the instructions thoroughly before starting the application.
- Do ensure that all sections of the form are filled out completely.
- Do sign and date your application before submission.
- Do check your email regularly for updates regarding your application.
- Don't include any additional documents with your application; they will not be returned.
- Don't forget to provide accurate information about your income and assets.
- Don't submit the application without checking for any errors or missing information.
- Don't expect a guarantee of a lawyer's availability in your area, even if you pre-qualify.
Misconceptions
Understanding the Oregon Modest Means Program can be challenging, and several misconceptions often arise. Here are four common misunderstandings about the program:
- Misconception 1: The program offers free legal services.
- Misconception 2: All legal matters are covered under the program.
- Misconception 3: Applying guarantees a lawyer will be available.
- Misconception 4: The program is the same as legal aid.
Many people believe that the Modest Means Program provides pro bono services. In reality, this program is designed for individuals who can afford to pay reduced legal fees but do not qualify for traditional legal aid. Participants must pay a fee for the initial consultation and hourly rates for additional services.
Some individuals assume that any legal issue can be addressed through the Modest Means Program. However, the program only assists with specific types of cases, including family law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant issues, and foreclosure matters. If your legal matter falls outside these areas, you will not be eligible for assistance.
Many applicants mistakenly believe that submitting an application ensures they will be matched with a Modest Means lawyer. While pre-qualification is necessary, the program does not guarantee that a lawyer will be available in every county or for every case. The availability of participating lawyers may vary, and some applicants may not receive a referral.
There is a common belief that the Modest Means Program functions like legal aid. This is not the case. Legal aid provides free services to those who qualify based on income, while the Modest Means Program offers reduced rates for individuals who can pay a portion of their legal fees. Understanding this distinction is crucial for applicants seeking assistance.
Key takeaways
Key Takeaways for the Oregon Modest Means Program Form:
- The Modest Means Program is designed for Oregonians who earn too much for legal aid but cannot afford standard legal fees.
- Complete the application form thoroughly; missing signatures or information will delay processing.
- Applications are typically processed within one business day. Check your email for updates.
- Eligibility depends on your income, assets, legal matter type, and location. Not all counties have participating lawyers.
- The initial consultation costs $35, and lawyers charge reduced hourly rates of $60, $80, or $100 thereafter.
- Do not include additional documents with your application; they will not be returned.
- If you cannot afford the fees, seek assistance from your local legal aid office instead.