Mid-Shore Pro Bono is bringing bankruptcy help to the Eastern Shore. Beginning July 12, the Debtor Assistance Project (DAP) will be offering free legal assistance to individuals facing bankruptcy, at Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s offices onDover Street in Easton.

The Debtor Assistance Project is a program begun by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. According to the court’s website, there were 25,341 non-business bankruptcies filed in the state in 2009.

The DAP clinic has been helping people through its Baltimore and Greenbelt locations for about a year. Grants from the United Fund of Talbot County and the Women & Girls Fund are making the Eastern Shore office possible through a collaboration with Mid-Shore Pro Bono.

Those considering or in the process of bankruptcy can consult with experienced volunteer attorneys, who answer legal questions about the process, including how bankruptcy may be used to help prevent foreclosure. There is no cost for the half-hour consultation.

Individuals should bring any documentation with them that may be relevant to their questions. The attorneys can review and advise on court documents, bankruptcy forms and collection letters. Personal financial information, including income and bank statements, tax returns, property appraisals and credit reports should be brought to the consultation to best utilize the time.

While the clinic’s attorneys cannot represent the individual or complete the bankruptcy paperwork, they can direct clients to resources where legal representation may be found.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s Executive Director Sandy Brown welcomes the Debtor Assistance Project’s help. “In these difficult economic times, this is a huge resource for the community,” she said. “It is completely unique on theEastern Shore.”

While Mid-Shore Pro Bono has been providing free and reduced-cost legal services to low-income individuals in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties since 2005, hosting the Debtor Assistance Project allows it to offer specially focused bankruptcy assistance.

“We are grateful to the United Fund of Talbot County and the Women & Girls Fund for making this program possible in the area,” said Brown. Their funding allows Mid-Shore Pro Bono to offer the office space and support necessary for the expansion of the project to the Eastern Shore.

DAP attorneys will be available for consultations at the Pro Bono office once a month on Mondays and Fridays, by appointment only. Those wishing to reserve a time should contact the Maryland Court’s Pro Bono Coordinator atprobono@mdb.uscourts.gov or 410-962-3813. Clients should plan on arriving at least fifteen minutes prior to their appointment time to complete the Project’s intake form.

For more information, call Mid-Shore Pro Bono at 410-690-8128 or visit www.midshoreprobono.org.