**Modest Means** refers to reduced-fee legal services for people who meet a program's financial and other eligibility requirements. It is not the same as free [[Glossary/P/Pro Bono|Pro Bono]] representation or assistance from [[Legal Aid Organizations]]. In Orange County, California, [[OCBA|the Orange County Bar Association]] offers a Modest Means program through its [[LRIS|Lawyer Referral & Information Service]]. It serves Orange County residents who cannot afford standard legal fees but do not qualify for local pro bono services. Family law is among the covered areas. LRIS screens eligibility. Ask about the current household-income and asset limits and any applicable adjustments. The participating attorney may request financial information. Confirm current fees, retainer deposits, availability, and the scope of representation directly with LRIS and the attorney; do not assume an older published dollar limit is current. Call **949-440-6747** or **877-257-4762** and ask for a Modest Means referral. Finding an available attorney may take more than one call. A referral is not a guarantee that an attorney will accept the matter or be the right fit. A [[Glossary/F/Fee Waiver|court fee waiver]] is separate: it concerns covered court fees and costs, not the attorney's bill. Ask about both when relevant; eligibility for one does not establish eligibility for the other. See [[How to find Family Law Assistance at No Cost or Reduced Cost]] for other options. The [final website version of the guide](https://atharkhan.com/blog/how-to-find-family-law-assistance-at-no-cost-or-reduced-cost/) is the reader-facing resource. Sources: [OCBA Modest Means information](https://www.ocbar.org/?pg=legal_information#ModestMeans); [OCBA published program guidelines](https://www.ocbar.org/lris/pdf/ModestMeansGuidelines.pdf); [State Bar referral-service directory](https://www.calbar.ca.gov/los-angeles-area-0). Current eligibility and fees require confirmation.