lrs.michbar.orgState Bar of Michigan Legal Resource & Referral Center

State Bar of Michigan Legal Resource & Referral Center Login X Legal Resource & Referral Center Find a Lawyer Lawyer Referral Modest Means Free Legal Answers Self Help Resources Legal Information Login State Bar of Michigan Legal Resource and Referral Center Find legal assistance whenever you need it. Find the Right Legal Resource Now The State Bar of Michigan is pleased to offer information to help guide you to resources best suited to help with your legal needs. Use this website to link to helpful legal information and to find a lawyer to assist you with your legal matter. Legal representation may simplify matters and help you reach a solution in an efficient and effective manner. Include this website in your favorites for easy access as you consider your legal options. Q. Do I Need a Lawyer? Q. Do I Need a Lawyer? Under the law, all adults have the right to represent themselves. When acting on your own behalf, you are unrepresented, so you are called "pro se” or “self represented.” You should be aware that it is often difficult to represent yourself. If not advised by an attorney having the depth of knowledge and experience in handling your specific type of legal matter, you may unknowingly jeopardize important legal rights. When representing yourself, you should avoid non-lawyers who offer assistance in drafting legal documents or standardized forms for a fee. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has free, state-approved standardized court forms available online. The SCAO website also has information about mediation and dispute resolution options that may help you avoid going to court. For more information on self help, visit our self-help resources page. Tips for Choosing a Lawyer Visit our Legal Information page Tips for Choosing a Lawyer A Practical Guide to Hiring a Lawyer. Download Guide Frequently Asked Questions Visit our Legal Information page. Self-Guided Attorney Search The State Bar of Michigan's free online directory lets you search for lawyers accepting clients by practice area and geographic location. When reviewing search results, you will be able to compare and evaluate the information lawyers have provided about themselves. Browse attorney backgrounds, areas of expertise, and reviews. Find a lawyer Lawyer Referral Service Call today and let our referral assistant match you with a lawyer who can handle your legal matter. The service is available 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday – Friday. For a $25 administrative fee, a referral assistant will match you with an attorney who will provide up to a 25-minute initial consultation free of charge. The fee will be waived in some instances. Learn More Modest Means Program Our Modest Means Program connects moderate-income people with attorneys who offer reduced cost legal assistance. The Modest Means Program is not a free program. Applicants must be able to pay for any services received. If you cannot pay, the Guide to Legal Help is a tool that can assist in determining if you qualify for legal aid or other resources. Learn More Self-Help Resources Michigan Legal Help is for people who are interested in exploring whether to handle their legal problems without a lawyer or who want to learn more about the law and courts. There are many do-it-yourself tools to help you create court forms. Self-help information is not legal advice. To fully understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult with an attorney. Learn More Legal Aid Resources If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the Guide to Legal Help is a new tool developed by MichiganLegalHelp.org that can assist you in determining if you qualify for legal aid or other resources. Answer a few questions in this interactive Guide to find the best available legal information and lawyer referrals to help you with your legal problem. Learn More Legal Information Resources General legal information and FAQs on a variety of topics provided by Michigan lawyers as a public service. The information provided is not an exhaustive resource. As changes frequently occur in the law, self-represented persons may wish to do additional research or use the State Bar free online directory to schedule a lawyer consultation. Learn More × Q. Do I Need a Lawyer? Under the law, all adults have the right to represent themselves. When acting on your own behalf, you are unrepresented, so you are called "pro se” or “self represented.” You should be aware that it is often difficult to represent yourself. If not advised by an attorney having the depth of knowledge and experience in handling your specific type of legal matter, you may unknowingly jeopardize important legal rights. When representing yourself, you should avoid non-lawyers who offer assistance in drafting legal documents or standardized forms for a fee. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has free, state-approved standardized court forms available online. The SCAO website also has information about mediation and dispute resolution options that may help you avoid going to court. For more information on self help, visit our self-help resources page. SBM Copyright 2020...