Client Service Pamphlets
The Massachusetts Bar Association publishes a series of public-service pamphlets that explain various legal processes in clear, simple language. The pamphlets are a useful, timesaving tool for clients who need basic legal information about their situation.
Lawyers and legal services across the state have ordered these pamphlets to give clients a written guide to the law. You may purchase these pamphlets in bulk for a nominal fee. For more information, contact the Member Service Center at (617) 338-0530. An order form in PDF format (requires Acrobat Reader) is available online that you can download, print and fax it back to the MBA.
To order pamphlets for your office, contact the Member Service Center at (617) 338-0530.
Pamphlets currently available:
What You Should Know About Attorney's Fees
What are attorney's fees are based on? How do attorneys compute their fees (explains hourly, contingency, flat rate and percentage)? When should you discuss fees? When do you pay them? Who is responsible for them? How can you limit them?
Buying and Selling a House
What are purchase and sale agreements? What is the role of an attorney for the seller, buyer and bank? What is involved in an examination of title, passing papers, settlement costs, title insurance, etc.?
Why Probate?
What is probate? Why is it necessary? How long does it take? Information on taxes, fees/costs, small estates, joint property and wills.
Have You Made a Will?
What is a will? What are the limitations and expenses? What happens when there is no will? What are joint tenancy, life insurance, estate taxes and gifts to charities? How to make will.
Will a Trust Help You?
What is a trust? When should you create a trust? What are Educational trusts, Minor's trusts, Trusts as part of an estate plan, Marital trusts and Family trusts? Who should be the trustee? What are a trustee's duties and fees? How do you give instructions to the trustee? What are the Tax advantages? What is the lawyer's role?
What is a Guardian and a Conservator?
Provides a definition of each and their duties. Who qualifies to be a guardian or conservator? What are reasonable fees for guardians and conservators? What is a lawyer's role?
How To Protect Your Privacy
Discusses the law and the actions to take to ensure privacy of: government records, credit reports, school records, insurance and employee reports, medical information, criminal records, employee records and your Social Security number.
Your Rights If Arrested
What is an arrest? May you be stopped or detained without being arrested? When may you be arrested with a warrant? When may you be arrested without a warrant? When may you be searched? What procedures are usually followed after your arrest? What rights do you have when arrested? What rights do you have when questioned while in custody? What happens to personal property you may have with you? How are you released? How do you arrange for a lawyer?
Living Wills and Health Care Proxies
What is a living will? What is a health-care proxy? Which one is best for you?
Parenting Leave Issues in the Workplace
Maternity leave under Massachusetts law. Parental leave under federal law. Leave for illness or injury of a child. Continuity of health benefits and restoration of job rights.
Employment Termination and the Law
What constitutes wrongful discharge? What is discrimination, violation of contract, etc.? What can you do as an employee? What can you do as an employer to prevent wrongful termination?
Separation & Divorce
The divorce process: How do you petition the court and establish residency requirements? What do you need to know before the initial meeting with an attorney? What is the Probate and Family Court process? What are temporary orders? What are the grounds for divorce?