MPLAS was established in 1967 to help low-income individuals have access to the justice system even though their incomes are too low to afford a private attorney. In 2003, over 3,200 people came for help with domestic violence and divorce, custody and visitation; landlord/tenant problems; public benefit denials and health care issues. MPLAS clients are predominantly women with children. Financial eligibility is limited to 125% of FPIG; a family of four cannot gross more than $1917 per month to be eligible.