Finding the right legal help can feel overwhelming, but Hyannis residents have access to a strong network of courts, legal aid organizations, and community programs. Whether you need assistance with an estate, support for your family, or help connecting with senior services, the following resources are available to guide you.
Legal Assistance and Information
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal support, as well as directories to connect you with trusted professionals:
- Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder: A directory of programs offering free or reduced-cost legal help for low-income Massachusetts residents.
- Barnstable County Bar Association: Offers referrals, a resource library, and connections to legal agencies serving Hyannis and Cape Cod.
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Finding Legal Help: Statewide hub for finding legal assistance and lawyer referral services.
- MassLegalHelp.org: Provides clear, self-help legal information on civil matters, including housing, benefits, consumer issues, and family law.
- Barnstable Law Library: Offers access to legal research tools and professional law librarians to help you explore statutes, case law, and other legal materials.
Local Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services
Hyannis is home to organizations that provide legal aid and pro bono support for those who qualify:
- South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS): Serves Cape Cod, the Islands, and Southeastern Massachusetts. They assist with housing, elder law, family matters, consumer debt, and public benefits.
- WE CAN Legal Services (Women’s Empowerment through Cape Area Networking): Provides free or low-cost consultations and workshops on family law, elder law, employment, and housing issues.
- Independence House: Based in Hyannis, Independence House supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including legal advocacy services.
- Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS): Offers public defender services for criminal, child welfare, and mental health cases across Barnstable County.
- Consumer Assistance Council: Assists residents with resolving consumer disputes, including landlord-tenant and small business conflicts, often avoiding the need for court action.
- Cape Cod Housing Assistance Corporation (HACON): Provides housing stability resources, rental assistance, and information for tenants and homeowners facing legal or financial challenges.
Local Courts Serving Hyannis
For residents pursuing a case or resolving a dispute, the following courts serve Hyannis and the surrounding communities:
- Barnstable District Court (3195 Main St., Barnstable, MA): Handles civil, criminal, small claims, and family cases for local residents.
- Barnstable Probate and Family Court: Oversees estates, guardianships, wills, child custody, and divorce proceedings.
Youth & Family Support
Hyannis offers a range of programs designed to help young people and families build strong connections and access support when they need it most. From recreational opportunities to housing support, these resources can provide guidance and stability for children, teens, and parents alike:
- Cape Cod Family Resource Center (29 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA): Provides parenting classes, caregiver education, youth groups, and school liaison services for families across Cape Cod.
- Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) (141 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA): A hub for recreation, education, and youth programming. Facilities include gymnasiums, ice rinks, meeting spaces, and after-school programs for children and teens.
- Helix Human Services – Family Support Project (330 Bearses Way, Hyannis, MA): Offers case management, mentoring, and home-based support for families with adolescents, including those recently reunified from foster care or at risk of entering residential care.
- Barnstable County Sheriff’s Youth Programs: Offers a Youth Academy and leadership programs designed to encourage teamwork, responsibility, and substance abuse prevention.
- Cape & Islands Coordinated Entry System: Helps young people and families facing housing instability or homelessness by connecting them to housing support and community services.
Resources for Seniors and Families
Older adults and families in Hyannis can turn to these organizations for support, services, and connection:
- Senior Resource Center, Inc. (1436 Route 132, Hyannis, MA): Care coordination, financial planning, and elder support services.
- Friends of Dennis Senior Citizens: Funds Meals on Wheels, dental and vision care, Alzheimer’s support, and other senior programs.
- Cape Cod Senior Resource Group (CCSRG): Brings together professionals and nonprofits to provide healthcare, nutrition, and social support for seniors.
- Barnstable Adult Community Center (825 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis, MA): Offers wellness classes, support groups, transportation services, and enrichment programs.
- Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands (ESCCI): Provides home care, Meals on Wheels, abuse prevention, caregiver support, and options counseling.
- Cape Cod Family Resource Center (Hyannis): Offers parenting programs, youth activities, and community resources for families across Cape Cod.
Community Support and Learning
Access to information and enrichment can help residents feel more connected:
- Hyannis Public Library: Offers books, community programs, and home delivery for residents who cannot visit in person.
How We Can Help
At Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C., we understand that connecting with the right resource is only the first step. Our attorneys work with families and seniors in Hyannis on estate planning, elder law, and related matters, always with a focus on protecting what matters most to you. If you need guidance or help connecting with local services, reach out to us today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.