Legal Information Center
The Legal Information Center is a self help program operated by Bay Area Legal Services that assists individuals representing themselves in family, landlord/tenant, and small claims matters in Hillsborough County. There is no charge for assistance at the Center. The Center is located on the second floor of the George Edgecomb Courthouse in downtown Tampa and is staffed by an attorney. For information about the Center and its hours of operation, call (813) 864-2280.
To find out more about the Legal Information Center click on the link below or read the articles that follow:
"A Coach for the Courtroom" summer newsletter 2009 pdf.
The Legal Information Center - What is it and what does it offer?
Many people view the legal system as a maze with no exit or an indecipherable code. When you find yourself in the midst of a legal case it can be confusing, frustrating, and even frightening. If you can afford to hire an attorney, your attorney will guide you through the system. If you can't afford an attorney, you are left to find your own way.
The Legal Information Center is a free program to assist those people who are trying to represent themselves in certain types of cases. The Legal Information Center attorney will assist people with family law cases, residential landlord/tenant cases, and small claims cases. The greatest need is in family law. Imagine trying to do your own contested divorce, a custody dispute, or calculate child support. How do you proceed without knowing the basic procedures for filing a case and going through the numerous steps required before you get to speak to a judge? Do you know the difference between a Judge, a General Master, and a Hearing Officer? Do you know what process is required to file for divorce if your spouse is in another state? Do you know what to do if you can't provide medical consent for your grandchild because you don't have legal custody?
These questions and more can be answered at the Legal Information Center, located in the George Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs St., Room 203.
The
In September 2009, the 50,000th pro se litigant walked into the
Over time, the volunteer attorneys recognized that the demand for pro se assistance, particularly in family law, far exceeded the time they could devote as volunteers. After some discussion among Fowler White, Bay Area Legal Services, the Clerk of the Court, and the Court Administrator, the concept of a
Nearly eight years later, the collaboration that created the Center continues and thousands of pro se litigants have received assistance with family law, landlord/tenant, and small claims matters.
Find out more about the Legal Information Center & The Family Forms Clinic
click here for English click here for Spanish