Everyone deserves the right to dignity, recognition, and respect within and by the law. At Shore Legal Access, we make sure that happens.
Regardless of your family structure or relationship status, we’re always here to help LGBTQ+ clients navigate free and low-cost civil legal services. Find out how we can help below:
Life & Estate Planning
Your estate plan should reflect your values, your wishes, and your family—whether by blood or by choice. Shore Legal Access can help by providing free preparation and counseling to help you feel at peace with how your body and estate will be handled after you leave this earthly plane.
Ways we can help include:
- Wills and trusts
- Healthcare directives and powers of attorney
- Beneficiary planning
- Protections for non-biological and non-marital family members
- Domestic partner registration*
* Did you know that in Maryland, you can register as domestic partners at the register of wills without needing to formalize your relationship as long as you and your partner live together and are not in another marriage? This can help protect your partner’s rights if you were to die without a will—or if your will were to be contested.
Family Law
The law continues to develop for rainbow families, but our commitment to protecting yours remains steadfast. Whether it’s changing your name or determining your parental rights regardless of marital status, Shore Legal Access can help.
Services we can provide include:
- Name & gender changes
- Adoption (uncontested)
- Custody
- Divorce
- Standby guardianship
Discrimination & Housing
Discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity, even when there is a legal pretense, remains a challenge for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Shore Legal Access is committed to working with you to protect your rights and your access to everyday needs such as shelter, employment, and education.
Ways we can support you include:
- Criminal record expungement
- Tenant representation
- Foreclosure support
Consumer Debt
Whether it’s a matter of maintaining your sources of income or managing your debt, Shore Legal Access can help. We’re committed to helping you achieve economic stability and can provide a variety of services in support of those goals.
Services we can provide include:
- Bankruptcy consultation
- Representation in affidavit judgment lawsuits
Criminal Record Expungement
We recognize that the LGBTQ+ community is overpoliced. At Shore Legal Access, we can help you expunge your criminal record.
At Shore Legal Access, we are committed to creating a safe space for everyone on the Eastern Shore. By delivering life-changing legal assistance that is affordable and accessible, we’re able to ensure justice truly is for all. To receive services, clients must qualify by meeting income, case type, and geographic guidelines, which you can view here.