Affordable legal help for Pinellas citizens

By: Kathryn Bursch

Clearwater, Florida – Going to court and representing yourself, even if it’s just for a small claim, can be a confusing and even a frightening experience. Workers at the court clerk’s office like Charles Minnis hear it all the time.

“People are hurting out there and they’re confused with how to deal with the court system,” said Minnis.

But help has now arrived. The Pinellas Clerk of Circuit Court has opened two self-help centers: one in Clearwater and one in St. Petersburg. Computers in the office can help you fill out divorce or small claims forms correctly and inexpensive legal advice is also offered. $15 buys you 15 minutes of face time.

On Thursday, attorney Teresa Fitzpatrick was helping Maria and Mohamed Eldib fill out some paperwork. Maria wants to adopt her husband’s two-year-old daughter Mariah. The Eldibs wanted to make sure everything was in order.

“The service is very, very helpful,” said Mohamed.

The Pinellas program is modeled after a similar one in Palm Beach County. Hazel Bure from the clerk’s office says if you help people upfront, the entire court process runs more smoothly.

“Good for everybody; the clerk, the judges and the people.”

For more information on the legal Self Help Centers, click here.