Modest Means Program

Definition of Modest Means Program:

The Modest Means Program is a public service program of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s Attorney Referral Service intended to provide access to legal services for people of modest means. The financial  guidelines for client eligibility is based on the federal poverty guides and are set at approximately 175 percent of the federal poverty level.

Determination of Referral Caller Eligibility:

Client eligibility for the modest means program shall be determined by the A.R.S. staff only. Attorneys participating in the modest means program shall not, and may not, determine that a referral qualifies for the modest means program. Modest means eligibility determination by the A.R.S. staff is final. Eligibility can be determined by the ARS staff based on an oral interview but subject to proof being provided by the caller. If a caller fails to provide proof of modest means status, the A.R.S. staff shall revoke the client’s modest means eligibility.

Determination of Attorney Eligibility:

(A). Regular Panel Members: In order to be eligible to be referred modest means clients, an attorney:

  1. Must be a member of the A.R.S. in good standing;
  2. Must meet the requirements for the particular area of law panel in which the client seeks services;
  3. Agrees to abide by all A.R.S. rules and requirements, and agrees to provide legal
  4. services at the set rates fro the modest means program.

Attorney Fee Schedule for Modest Means:

(A) Family Law

  1. Hourly rate not to exceed $175
  2. Total fees not to exceed $3,500 plus costs for uncontested dissolution or post judgment OSC, unless the ARS director has, in writing, authorized in advance a higher fee because of extraordinary circumstances and the client has been informed
  3. Costs are charged in addition to fees

(B) Estate Planning

  1. Hourly rate not to exceed $175
  2. Total fees not to exceed the below listed fees plus costs unless the ARS director has, in writing, authorized in advance a higher fee because of extraordinary circumstances and the client has been informed
    1. Simple Will: $250
    2. Will with testamentary trust: $850
    3. Durable Power of Attorney: $150
    4. Advanced Health Care Directive: $150
    5. Deed or Affidavit: $150
    6. Intervivos (“Living”) Trust with Pour-Over Will:
      1. Single Person: $1,200
      2. Married Couple: $1,700
    7. Restatement of Invervivos Trust with Pour-Over Will:
      1. Single Person: $1,200
      2. Married Couple: $1,700
  3. Costs are charged in addition to fees

(C) Landlord/Tenant

1.  Hourly rate not to exceed $175 plus costs in Unlawful Detainer actions