If you are looking for legal services, please consider using this resource.
MMP's Background
In 2019, more than 2 million people in Washington were found to be of moderate income, falling between 200% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Many moderate income clients in need of legal services cannot afford a full-fee attorney and do not qualify for free civil legal aid.
The statewide Moderate Means Program strives to bridge that gap with reduced-fee assistance in legal cases involving family, housing, consumer, and unemployment issues that is scaled to the client’s income. The Moderate Means Program connects moderate-income clients with a family, housing, consumer, or unemployment legal issue with legal professionals willing to represent them at a reduced rate.
The Moderate Means Program does not provide free legal services. This program is not able to handle urgent legal needs as the intake and referral process takes time.
The Program is a partnership between the Washington State Bar Association and the law schools of Gonzaga University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington. The WSBA Board of Governors and private funding through the Washington State Bar Foundation support the program.
Please note this program is not able to handle urgent legal needs as the intake and referral process may take some time. The Moderate Means Program cannot guarantee a referral, particularly in some rural communities where attorney resources are limited.
The legal professionals participating in the Moderate Means Program are solely liable for their actions. Neither WSBA nor law schools are responsible for services received.
To be eligible for the Moderate Means Program, you must be facing a family, housing, consumer law, or unemployment benefits issue.
Family Law — Separation or divorce, guardianship, child custody or visitation, child support, personal safety due to family member, establish the biological father of a child, adoption and juvenile dependency matters
Consumer Law — Debt, problems with a payday lender or debt collector, legal issue involving the purchase, financing or repair of a vehicle, legal issue regarding utilities (water, electricity, garbage), victim of unfair or deceptive sales practice, victim of identity theft, and bankruptcy (Chapters 7 or 13)
Housing Law — Trouble with rental housing or a landlord, eviction, unfair denial of housing and repair issues
Family Size
200% of Federal Poverty Level
400% of Federal Poverty Level