By Jackie Kucinich

Sentinel Staff Writer

The money has run out.

The only option is to file for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the process of declaring debt has a price tag as well. The feeling of utter hopelessness and futility faces millions of Americans every year. In July, 1,410 people filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Maryland, according to the United States Bankruptcy Court.

The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service offers a way to help residents that cannot afford the hefty fees by providing legal assistance.

MVLS, a non-profit organization, provides "free and low-cost legal assistance to low-income people" throughout Maryland. Eleven lawyers from Prince George's County join 2,500 private attorneys in providing free or reduced representation to residents in need.

Jennifer L. Austin, a private attorney in Laurel who specializes in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and custody law, has taken five pro bono cases in the last two years.

"Frankly it was part of the reason I got into law," said Austin. "My second case was pro bono."

Attorney fees for Chapter 7 can cost up to $600 with the filing fee according to Austin, a sum that would be overwhelming for those on a tight budget.

"With this program they are only responsible for the filing fee," she said. "Just because they can't afford it doesn't mean that they need less help."

The filing fee for a petition in Maryland is $209 according to the United States Bankruptcy Court.

While the cases that Austin has taken have dealt mainly with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, MVLS offers representation for cases of consumer rights, income tax disputes, landlord and tenant disputes, denial of public benefits, wills, deed changes and name changes.

In Prince George's, Montgomery and Allegheny counties MVLS handles only tax and denial of long-term medical assistance cases. Prince George's County has it's own pro bono program with similar services through the Law Foundation of Prince George's County according to Tedrina Alexis, a paralegal at MVLS.

Clients applying for the free service must meet an income requirement that depends on a combination of gross household income, the size of their household and the total amount of assets that they hold.

When applicants prove that they are eligible for the service, MVLS will search for a volunteer lawyer to take the case. In addition to legal representation, they also offer "Courthouse Advice Clinics" in seven rural countries that "assist pro se litigants with family law matters," assistance with tax returns through "Low Income Taxpayer" clinics and several other programs in various Maryland counties.

"Once [low income clients] have gone to other lawyers and realize that they can't afford this and don't have the extra money for an attorney," Austin said. "By the time people get to MVLS, they are appreciative that there is someone there who is willing to help them."

The experience of volunteering is not the only opportunity that MVLS offers to lawyers who lend their time and legal expertise. They offer access to training seminars, malpractice insurance and mentors. The Maryland Institute for Continuing the Professional Education of Lawyers, a partner with the Maryland Bar association, offer their seminars at a reduced price or free for lawyers who provide pro-bono service at MVLS.

Between all of their lawyers and services the MVLS has provided 8,700 hours and $1,000,000 of pro -bono services to Maryland residents.

"[MVLS] provide such a great service," Austin said. "The people are so under appreciated for what they do."