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Get started with Shore Legal Access
feShore Legal Access demystifies the legal system by making it affordable and accessible to Eastern Shore families and individuals facing challenges, thanks to the support of volunteer attorneys and regional community services. To receive services, clients must qualify by meeting income, case type, and geographic guidelines.
How it works:
- Submit an online intake or call us. Our staff will help you complete the screening process to determine your eligibility. We will ask you questions such as your type of legal problem, the name of the opposing party, your current income, and household size.
- Our staff will work with you to determine the next steps, such as scheduling an appointment with one of our volunteer attorneys and/or completing an application for representation.
- Shore Legal Access attorneys are volunteers, therefore we cannot guarantee an attorney will take your case. If you have a trial or hearing scheduled, call us as soon as possible to increase the chance of placing you with an attorney.
- Because we rely on the generosity of volunteers to accept a case when they are available, we cannot guarantee we will find a lawyer for every client.
- Once you receive notice whether your case has been accepted, we will provide a link for payment via email. We charge a one-time, non-refundable $25 processing fee. Payment can also be made by money order or cash to the SLA office.
Counties We Serve
Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.
General Income Eligibility Guidelines
We will confirm your income falls within our guidelines when you apply. Your gross household income (money earned before anything is taken out for taxes or other deductions) may not exceed 50% of the Maryland median income.
In addition to income guidelines, we also consider assets including property, vehicles, and financial accounts. If you believe you meet our geographic and income eligibility requirements, please go ahead and submit an intake form or call our intake line.
Don’t meet our income guidelines? We may be able to refer you to an attorney in our network who can help you with your legal issue at a reduced rate, sliding scale, or flat rate. Click here for more information.
Am I Eligible?
See if you qualify for services based on your income, location, and case type.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access Goal
Shore Legal Access seeks to acknowledge and honor individual differences by fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging for all service recipients, staff, volunteers, and leaders.