LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
For more than a decade, the Franklin County Lawyer Referral Service has been connecting community members with attorneys competent to provide representation in more than twenty-five (25) different legal practice areas, including the following:

Individuals seeking to obtain an attorney should contact the Lawyer Referral Service for an initial intake, screening, and free referral to an attorney specializing in the caller's particular area of concern. Additional information regarding the Lawyer Referral Services can be obtained by calling 413-773-9839.

FAMILIES IN TRANSITION (FIT)
The Probate and Family Court requires that all separating parents complete the Families in Transition course prior to obtaining a divorce. Classes are held in small groups and facilitated by skilled family therapists. The intention of the FIT program is to explore some of the complex changes experienced by strained families, to provide practical solutions for cooperative parenting, and to minimize the impact of divorce on children.

Pre-registration is required - Form can be downloaded by clicking here. Forms are also available from Probate Court or the Franklin County Bar Association. Send form, with fee, to the Franklin County Bar Association, 20 Federal St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Phone 413-773-9839

Families in Transition
PARENT EDUCATION CLASSES
Workshop Schedule, 2010 & 2011

Time 6-8:30pm
Classes will be held at:
Franklin Medical Center
164 High Street
Greenfield, Mass.

Families in Transition is an Educational Program for Parents approved by the Probate & Family Court and administered by the Franklin County Bar Association.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BAR ADVOCATES PROGRAM
Any individual faced with the possibility of criminal incarceration has the right to legal representation. For those who cannot afford to hire an attorney, the Bar Advocate Program provides reduced fee or free legal services. Individuals eligible for representation will be assigned an attorney by the court.

The Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services provides recipient funding and attorney certification for the Bar Advocate Program. All participating attorneys are members of a special panel and receive ongoing training and support for their work in the district, superior, and juvenile courts. Additional information regarding the Bar Advocate Program can be obtained by calling 413-773-9839.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BAR ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN
Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Bar Advocates for Women Program provides reduced fee or free legal representation for income eligible victims of domestic violence. Program recipients will be provided with an attorney consultation, emergency representation, or complete services, as appropriate. Additional information regarding Bar Advocates for Woman Program can be obtained by calling 413-773-9839.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BAR ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN
Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Bar Advocates for Children Program provides services to children who are in crisis and in need of independent legal advice and/or representation. Courts, schools, attorneys and social agencies refer a wide variety of matters to the program, including those issues involving custody, visitation, emancipation and abuse. Additional information regarding the Bar Advocates for Children Program can be obtained by calling 413-773-9839.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BAR ADVOCATES FOR ELDERS
Funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the Bar Advocates for Elders Program provides eligible elders with legal assistance in a variety of civil matters including consumer concerns, simple wills, debt problems, probate questions and a variety of other legal needs. Referrals frequently come from Elder Care Agencies, Families, Senior Centers and Health Care Professionals. Additional information regarding the Bar Advocates for Elders Program can be obtained by calling 413-773-9839.