Legal Help Centers Open in Pinellas County to Offer Affordable AssistanceCitizens who "go it alone" in court, can get affordable legal assistance before they go to court. Two Self Help Centers will be opening on Monday, Oct. 8, to aid citizens who represent themselves in court, also known as pro se' litigants, Ken Burke, Clerk of the Circuit Court, announced. A collaborative effort of the Clerk's Office, the Sixth Judicial Circuit and the Community Law Program, the Self Help Centers will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and will enable citizens to schedule an appointment to consult with an attorney; use specialized software to assist in filling out eviction, divorce and/or small claims forms for a fee plus the form-packet fees; or purchase other civil court action form packets. Documents can be notarized and/or copies made for a fee, according to Burke. Attorney appointments may be scheduled for a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of one hour in 15-minute increments, at a rate of $1 (one dollar) per minute. There are no income eligibility requirements to use the centers. During the first week of business, customers will pay on the day they meet with the attorney. The first two days available for consultation appointments are: Monday, Oct. 8, at the Clearwater Law Library location, 324 S. Ft. Harrison Ave.; and Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the St. Petersburg Law Library location, 545 First Avenue North. Beginning October 15, fees must be paid when the appointment time is scheduled. Payments must be cash or check. Refunds will not be issued for missed appointments, according to Burke. For more information visit the Clerk's website at http://www.pinellasclerk.org or call 727-464-3267.
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