The Legal Help Center is made up of two small pockets tucked away in the Law Library at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse. They’re part of an effort to help people who enter the district system already at a disadvantage.
"Unfortunately in today's economy, it's been like this and it's building over the last few years. Almost 60% of many of the litigants that walk through the courthouse doors are unrepresented. And when you get to family court, that number rises to almost 80%."Justice Michelle Keller, Kentucky Supreme Court, 6th District
So, say you’re one of those unrepresented people and you’re trying to get started on the divorce process, modifying child support, a small claims complaint, or expungement of a misdemeanor. Justice Keller says the paperwork can be daunting for a newcomer.
"Folks are trying to access that without the assistance of counsel, so this center will provide legal forms that are easy to walk through," she explains. "They are guided, informational forms."
Users can go through a series of questions and a program generates the necessary court documents for filing. And from 11-2 Thursdays, there will be volunteer attorneys and law students on hand to help — not to offer legal counsel but to provide legal information.
It’s not a fix-all, but it’s a first step toward putting unrepresented litigants on a more even footing.
Guided interviews are available on these matters:
- Dissolution of marriage (no minor children)
- Motion to modify child support
- Petition for order of protection
- Small claims court complaint
- Petition for probate
- Petition for expungement (for misdemeanor, violation or traffic infraction conviction)
- Motion for waiver of court costs and fees
For more information, visit the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission
