The purpose of the Clerk's Legal Self Help Centers is to assist Pinellas County citizens representing themselves in court (sometimes referred to as pro se persons) who do NOT have a private attorney. Pinellas County citizens who represent themselves in court and do not already have a private attorney representing them, can now get affordable legal assistance.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Schedule an appointment to consult with an attorney for a minimum of $15*
(Attorneys may assist with Family Law, Small Claims and Landlord/Tenant matters ONLY.)
- Purchase forms and packets for civil court actions
- Have documents notarized
- Make copies
Hours, Locations & Phone Numbers
Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.:
The Clearwater Self Help Center
The Clearwater Law Library, Old Clearwater Courthouse
324 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-5150
Fax: (727) 453-3423
- Appointments may be scheduled for Thursday and/or Friday.
- A Spanish interpreter provided by the Hispanic Outreach Center is available at the Clearwater location on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
The St. Petersburg Self Help Center
The St. Petersburg Judicial Building
545 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: (727) 582-7941
Fax: (727) 582-7945
- Appointments may be scheduled for Monday and/or Wednesday.
Open Tuesdays only from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.:
The North County Branch Self Help Center
29582 U.S. 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: (727) 464-5150
Fax: (727) 453-3423
- Attorney appointments must be made by phone for this location and are only available on Tuesdays.
*Attorney appointments may only be scheduled for a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of one hour. All appointments must be scheduled in 15-minute increments, i.e., 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes at a rate of $1 (one dollar) per minute, therefore payments will be $15, $30, $45 or $60 accordingly.
Attorney consultation fees must be paid when the appointment time is scheduled. The Self Help Center accepts credit card payments (VISA or Mastercard) as well as cash, check or money order. Refunds will not be issued for missed appointments. Appointment times may not be changed once set.
Return to top
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES "PRO SE" MEAN?
"Pro se" means "for oneself" or, "on one's own behalf", as in pursuing legal proceedings without an attorney.
WILL THE SELF HELP ATTORNEY REPRESENT ME IN COURT?”
No. The attorneys will only assist with the Florida Bar pro se forms and aid in the understanding of the overall legal process. They will assist with any pleadings the person has received. They cannot represent people in Court.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ATTORNEY?
There are three ways to schedule an appointment.
- visit the Clearwater or St Petersburg Self Help Center in person
- call either location (Clearwater 464-5150 / St. Petersburg 582-7941)
- click here to schedule an appointment online
Payment in full is required in order to make an appointment. We are sorry but refunds will not be issued for missed appointments.
IS AN APPOINTMENT NECESSARY?
It is not necessary, but we highly recommend it. We understand that some issues require immediate action and we will try to accommodate walk-ins. However, the appointment calendar can fill very quickly. It will save you time and frustration if you make an appointment in advance.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I CANNOT AFFORD THE FEES TO SEE AN ATTORNEY AT THE SELF HELP CENTER?
There are several "pro bono" or free legal assistance programs in Pinellas County that you may use if you meet the eligibility requirements. For information about pro bono programs, Pinellas County residents who live south of Ulmerton Rd., may visit the Community Law Program's website, http://www.lawprogram.org for and Pinellas County residents who live north of Ulmerton Rd., may visit Gulfcoast Legal Services' website, http://www.gulfcoastlegal.org.
CAN I PURCHASE FORMS WITHOUT HAVING TO MEET AN ATTORNEY?
Yes. All forms/packets are available for sale at a reasonable price. A complete list of forms and packets may be found by clicking here.
Return to top
|
