What are my options if I cannot afford to pay a lawyer?

If you cannot afford to pay a lawyer, you have several options for obtaining legal assistance in Maryland. First, you can look into pro bono (free) legal help. Pro bono services are provided free or at a reduced cost, usually by lawyers who volunteer their time and skills. Many non-profit legal organizations in Maryland offer pro bono services to those who qualify financially and legally. Another option for obtaining legal help is to have a lawyer work on a “contingency fee” basis. Under a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer will agree to be paid a percentage of any money won by you in the case in exchange for not charging you any legal fees up front. You can also look into reduced-fee programs that many legal aid programs and some private attorneys offer. With these programs, you pay an initial fee and then the attorney charges a reduced rate for the rest of the legal services. Finally, if you cannot afford any of the options above, you may be able to get free or reduced-fee legal services from the local court or state bar association in Maryland. Some courts provide “limited scope representation” or “unbundling” of legal services, which allows you to get help with certain aspects of your case without having to hire a lawyer for the entire case. No matter what your financial situation, you should not give up on your legal options. There are resources in Maryland that can provide you with the legal advice and assistance that you need.

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What are my options if I cannot afford to pay a lawyer?

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