If you have a legal problem and very low income, call Statewide Legal Services at 1-800-453-3320 or get free legal information at ctlawhelp.org.
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Pro Se Divorce/Custody Clinics
Name of Non-Profit Agency::
Statewide Legal Services*
Contact::
Claudia Magnan
Pro Bono Clinic Coordinator
cmagnan@slsct.org
860-852-1252
Why is this assistance important to these clients?:
Many clients have handicaps or literacy issues and find the court paperwork daunting.
Who are the clients?:
Low income clients.
What legal problem do these clients face?:
Clients wanting to start a divorce or custody action.
What legal strategies do the pro bono lawyers use to assist the clients?:
Assist clients to complete Family court forms so that they can proceed pro se in Family Court.
What are the outcome goals of this assistance?:
Clients will be able to file paperwork in court to start a divorce or custody case.
What time commitment is required to do this pro bono work?:
Each clinic is three hours long and volunteer lawyers usually see three clients during that clinic
Where is the pro bono work done? (at a legal aid office at the pro bono attorneys office etc.)?:
Our Family Law clinics are held in three locations:
1. Hartford - Greater Hartford Legal Aid -first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2. New Haven - New Haven Legal Assistance, Second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3. Middletown - Statewide Legal Services, first and third Wednesday of the month. from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 a.m.
Give a short (1-paragraph) case example::
Mary and her husband have been separated for 2 years. They have one child together, but no property. Mary wants to end this marriage but doesn't know how to start, and is intimidated by the paperwork.
Does this pro bono work require full admission to practice in Connecticut?:
Yes
If it is important that a pro bono lawyer already have particular legal background or training please describe.:
We ask lawyers to take a family law training or to observe the clinic until they are ready to do a clinic on their own.
What training is provided to pro bono lawyers doing this work?:
Observing the clinic.
Who provides the training?:
Connecticut Bar Association, New Britain.
Where is the training held? How long does the training last?:
Connecticut Bar Association, New Britain.
Who are the adverse parties (if any) for this type of work (e.g. landlords spouses banks government entities)?:
Spouses or parents of children.
At what time of day is the pro bono work done (evening clinic etc.)?:
Morning clinics from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
Does this pro bono work require full admission to practice in Connecticut?:
Yes.
Category:
This organization is a member of the Connecticut Pro Bono Network.