Significantly different litigant introductions and explanatory instructions were observed in small claims sessions across courthouses, and across clerks in the same courthouse.
August 2023
“Low-income Americans do not get any or enough legal help for 92% of their civil legal problems.”
A fair outcome in court is directly tied to an individual’s ability to achieve stability and prosperity. But every year, more than 30 million Americans face life-changing civil legal problems without a lawyer. Unsurprisingly, these unrepresented litigants face worse outcomes than those who do have legal representation. The consequences are often dire – people can be unjustly evicted and sent spiraling into homelessness, lose custody of their children, struggle to escape domestic violence, become trapped in an endless cycle of debt and poverty, and more.
Court-based self-help centers support people as they move through a complex system, helping unrepresented litigants correctly fill out and file forms, understand court processes, and access important legal information. From linking low-income families with wraparound services like rental assistance to connecting limited English proficient litigants with interpreters, self-help centers are a lifeline for the most vulnerable residents and help rebalance a system that favors the wealthy and privileged.
Across dozens of states, these self-help centers take a variety of forms. Some rely entirely on administrative staff; others employ a substantial team of attorneys and paralegals. Some centers focus on a single case type, like family law; others are able to assist with multiple case types. Some provide exclusively in-person or remote services; others offer a blend. Nearly all self-help centers report an increasing demand for their services – more than they can meet.
Data collected from 32 states provides insights into the ways court-based self-help centers can make targeted improvements in numerous areas such as their budgeting and funding, branding and advertising, data collection and reporting, facilities, and staffing. From small, volunteer-run centers just getting started to well-established programs delivering a robust range of services, all court-based self-help centers are invaluable to their communities. By sharing and standardizing best practices, we can replicate successes and build a stronger, more equitable civil justice system that enables thousands more across the country to resolve their legal problems and thrive.
Our thanks to our fellow principal report authors, Aubrie Souza and Lonni Kyhos Summers from National Center for State Courts, and to the entire NCSC Access Team for their extraordinary partnership. Many thanks as well to former Director of Research & Policy at MA Appleseed Melanie Rush and MA Appleseed interns Jonathan Bertulis-Fernandes, Loris Dennis, and Elena Liu.
Report Highlights
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