The Judicial Branch of Kentucky has launched its Legal Self-Help Portal where the public can access free legal resources.
According to a news release, the portal is designed to help people who are handling their own legal matters rather than using an attorney. It features an interactive program that assists users in completing forms for common legal situations including uncontested divorce, probate, child support, small claims, name change, expungement and more.
In addition to being accessible from any internet-connected device, the portal can be accessed at public computer workstations the AOC is installing in judicial centers/courthouses across the state. These workstations are now available in Offices of Circuit Court Clerk in 48 counties, including Christian, Todd, Trigg, Hopkinsville and Muhlenberg County, and will be in most of Kentucky’s other 72 counties by June.
The portal also provides links to legal information categorized by topic on kyjustice.org, the online legal advice clinic ky.freelegalanswers.org, lawyer referral services and Kentucky’s regional civil legal aid programs.
Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter says, “The resources, their centralization into a self-help portal and the workstations are major steps toward our continuous goal to improve access to justice for everyone. For non-attorneys, the legal system can be a mystery. A one-stop shop with user-friendly technology is our solution to this challenge. The portal makes it far easier for the many people who can’t afford an attorney or choose to handle their own everyday issues.”