Community Legal Aid Launches New DIY Web-Based Module for Guardianship and Caregiver Support

Submitted by RHahn on 01/30/25.

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is excited to announce the launch of a new, user-friendly, web-based module available in both English and Spanish. This innovative tool is designed to assist families in navigating complex legal processes when a child needs a substituted caregiver. The module provides comprehensive guidance and helps users complete the necessary steps and forms to establish guardianship or other caregiving arrangements.

“When a family finds itself in a situation where a child needs a substituted caregiver due to the illness, incarceration, deportation, or death of a parent, this DIY module tool will help guide the family and other interested persons through their options and assist them in completing the legal forms needed to obtain a guardianship or some other form of temporary caregiving,” said Gordon Shaw, CLA’s Director of Client Access and project manager.

“Petitioning to become the guardian of a minor is a common legal issue for many low- and moderate-income families,” Shaw added. “Yet it is one of the most form-heavy cases one can file in court, leaving room for errors. This tool will ensure that users are guided to complete all forms accurately and thoroughly. It also helps parents understand how to object to a petition or determine if they qualify for court-appointed counsel.”

This project was made possible through a Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) from the Legal Services Corporation. Key partners include the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project, funded by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, and Court Forms Online, a project of Suffolk University Law School’s Legal Innovation and Technology Lab. Lemma Legal Consulting and Savvy Suit provided the software development.

“We are proud to have collaborated on a resource that addresses a critical need for families across Massachusetts,” said Rochelle Hahn, Director of the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project. “By providing accessible, easy-to-use tools, we are empowering families to navigate complex legal processes with confidence and clarity.”

A Comprehensive, Four-Part Resource
The module is structured into four components, each accessible online and designed for a seamless user experience. Users can begin at Component One and proceed step-by-step or directly access the part most relevant to their needs.

  1. Updated Content on Guardianship and Caregiving: The module includes updated information on guardianship and caregiving, hosted on www.masslegalhelp.org. This resource offers detailed guidance on navigating substituted caregiving situations.
  2. Caregivers or Guardianship: Choosing the Best Option for a Child: A new interactive chart helps families and potential caregivers understand the differences between roles like Caregiver, Temporary Agent, and Guardian. Users can select the best option for their situation and proceed directly to tools and forms.
  3. Care Type Finder: The Care Type Finder, an interactive guided interview, assists users in selecting the appropriate type of caregiver. It also provides guidance for parents who are either in agreement with or opposed to guardianship petitions, directing them to the appropriate forms and steps.
  4. Guided Interviews hosted by CourtFormsOnline: This final component features interactive interviews that guide users through the process of completing legal forms accurately. These tools cover up to 20 court and legal forms related to guardianship cases or substituted caregiving situations.

About Community Legal Aid
Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to the low-income and elderly residents of the five counties of Western and Central Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester), and maintains offices in Worcester, Fitchburg, Springfield, Greenfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield. CLA works to assure fairness for all in the justice system, protecting homes, livelihoods, health and families. For more information, please visit www.communitylegal.org..

About the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project and MLRI
The Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites, at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, provides online legal information and other resources to the public and to the Massachusetts advocacy community. MLRI provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies and practices to secure economic, racial and social justice for low-income people and communities.  For more details, visit www.mlri.org/advocacy-issue/legal-aid-websites.

About the Legal Services Corporation
The Legal Services Corporation has supported over 900 projects through its TIG program, focusing on technology-driven solutions to improve access to legal services for low-income Americans. For more information, visit www.tig.lsc.gov.

About CourtFormsOnline.org
CourtFormsOnline.org, a project of Suffolk University Law School’s Legal Innovation and Technology Lab, provides free software and hosting that streamlines the process of completing legal forms for individuals navigating the legal system.