If you are considering bankruptcy in Massachusetts but cannot afford an attorney, free help is available. The organizations below provide legal assistance at no cost to qualifying residents. You can also visit lawhelp.org/MA for the most up-to-date directory of free legal services in Massachusetts.
Need immediate help?
Start with lawhelp.org/MA to find the legal aid office nearest you in Massachusetts. You can also call your local bankruptcy court (listed below) for information about self-help resources and pro se filing assistance.
Legal Aid Organizations
Greater Boston Legal Services
Free legal services in the Boston area including bankruptcy and consumer debt.
MetroWest Legal Services
Serves communities west of Boston.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association
Pro bono legal services in Boston.
Community Legal Aid (Worcester)
Free legal services for central and western Massachusetts.
Law School Bankruptcy Clinics
Harvard Law School Legal Services Center
Full-service legal aid clinic in Jamaica Plain.
Boston College Law School Clinics
Legal clinics serving the Boston community.
Northeastern University School of Law Clinics
Community-focused legal clinics.
Bar Association Pro Bono
Massachusetts Bar Association Pro Bono
Contact the bar association for pro bono referrals and reduced-fee attorney programs.
Bankruptcy Courts in Massachusetts
These are the federal bankruptcy courts serving Massachusetts. Many courts offer self-help desks, pro se workshops, and links to local volunteer attorney programs.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Massachusetts
Visit the court website for self-help resources, forms, local rules, and filing information.
Credit Counseling
Federal law requires two counseling sessions for bankruptcy filers: credit counseling before filing, and debtor education before discharge. Visit the U.S. Trustee's list of approved agencies to find providers approved for Massachusetts. Many agencies offer free or reduced-cost sessions for low-income individuals.
Additional Resources
- LawHelp.org/MA -- Find free legal help in Massachusetts
- NACBA Find an Attorney -- Locate consumer bankruptcy attorneys (some offer free consultations)
- Browse all states -- Back to the full state directory
- 1328(f) Discharge Screener -- Free tool to check if you are eligible for a bankruptcy discharge