Plymouth, MA Legal & Community Resources

Sorting out a legal question or finding help for an aging parent can be difficult when you don’t know where to start. Plymouth residents have access to a full county courthouse, established legal aid organizations, and a deep network of senior and family services. Below, you’ll find trusted legal, family, and senior resources available in Plymouth and the surrounding towns.

Legal Assistance and Information

Whether you need free or low-cost legal help, a referral to a private attorney, or clear information about your rights, these statewide and county-level programs are a good place to begin:

Local Legal Aid and Pro Bono Providers

Several organizations serve Plymouth and the wider county, offering free or affordable legal services to those who qualify:

  • South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS) (Intake Line: (800) 244-9023 | Brockton Office: (508) 586-2110): SCCLS provides civil legal aid throughout Plymouth County in areas including housing, elder law, family law, public benefits, and consumer debt.
  • South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center (SSRAC) (24-Hour Hotline: (888) 746-2664): A Plymouth-based nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence across 18 Plymouth County communities. SSRAC provides SAFEPLAN court advocacy directly at Plymouth District Court and Plymouth Probate and Family Court, helping people file 209A restraining orders and 258E harassment orders.
  • A New Day – A Program of Health Imperatives (24-Hour Hotline: (508) 588-8255 or (888) 293-7273): Provides free, confidential crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and shelter referrals for individuals affected by sexual or relationship violence.
  • Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS): Offers public defender representation in criminal, child welfare, and mental health matters throughout Plymouth County.
  • Plymouth County Guardianship Clinic: The Plymouth Law Library periodically hosts a free guardianship clinic in partnership with the Probate and Family Court. Call (508) 747-4796 for the current schedule.

Courts Serving Plymouth

Nearly all Plymouth County court business happens at the same address — the Plymouth County Trial Court complex at 52 Obery Street — which makes it a straightforward starting point for most matters:

  • Plymouth Probate and Family Court (52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-6204): Handles estate administration, wills, guardianships and conservatorships, divorce, custody, and child support. A virtual registry is also available by Zoom or phone during business hours.
  • Plymouth District Court (52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-8400): Handles criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic matters for Plymouth, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanson, Kingston, Marshfield, Pembroke, and Plympton.
  • Plymouth County Superior Court (52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-8400): Oversees major civil matters and cases requiring jury trials. Criminal sessions are held in Brockton.
  • Southeast Housing Court – Plymouth Session (52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-8550): Manages landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, and housing code matters. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • Plymouth Juvenile Court (52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-8400): Addresses juvenile delinquency, youthful offender, and child welfare matters.

Free parking is available at the courthouse.

Resources for Seniors and Families

Older adults and caregivers in Plymouth have access to a well-established network of town and regional organizations:

  • Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL) (44 Nook Road, Plymouth, MA 02360): The town’s senior center, serving residents 60 and over. Offers social outreach workers who assist with SNAP and fuel assistance, Meals on Wheels, volunteer medical transportation, AARP tax preparation, and SHINE health insurance counseling. CAL also arranges professional consultations for legal services.
  • Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) (Plymouth Office: 32–40 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 584-1561): The designated Aging Services Access Point for Plymouth. Provides home care coordination, Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, protective services, and the Personal Care Attendant program.
  • South Coastal Counties Legal Services – Elder Law Program: Provides legal assistance to older adults facing issues such as benefits, housing, consumer debt, and long-term care.
  • SSRAC Older Adult Outreach: Conducted in collaboration with the Plymouth Council on Aging, this program supports older survivors of abuse and offers education and referrals for grandparents raising grandchildren.
  • Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline (800) 922-2275: A 24-hour statewide line for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an older adult.

Youth and Family Support

Families in Plymouth can access programs that support children, teens, and caregivers at every stage:

  • Plymouth Family Resource Center: A free, single point of entry for families with children from birth to 18. Offers parenting groups, youth groups, assessment services, and referrals to behavioral health and community supports. No insurance is required, and the center works with caregivers, kinship placements, and grandparents raising grandchildren.
  • Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth (9 Resnik Road, Plymouth, MA 02360): Serving Plymouth youth since 1911. Offers after-school programming, summer camp, academic enrichment, sports, and dropout prevention programs. Membership fees are kept low, with scholarships available.
  • South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC) (71 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 747-7575): Provides Head Start and early education, fuel and utility assistance, food resources, free tax preparation, and door-to-door accessible transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • INTERFACE Mental Health Helpline: Connects Plymouth families with local therapists and counselors. Call 888-244-6843 for assistance.

Community and Public Resources

These organizations provide Plymouth residents with access to community programs, public information, and learning opportunities:

  • Plymouth Public Library (Main Library – 132 South Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 | (508) 830-4250): Offers books, public computers, meeting rooms, museum passes, and adult tutoring. The library partners with the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries to provide public access to virtual court services. A branch is also located at 12 Strand Avenue in Manomet.
  • FindHelp.org: Directory of local programs offering assistance with housing, food, mental health, transportation, and family support.
  • Town of Plymouth Health and Human Services: Coordinates public health, senior, veterans’, and community support programs for Plymouth residents.

How We Can Help

At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, we believe that finding the right resource is just the first step. Our attorneys assist Plymouth families and seniors with estate planning, elder law, and related legal matters, working closely with you to protect your future. If you need guidance or help connecting with local services, contact us today.