Law Society of Saskatchewan Uncategorized Volunteer for Information Sessions for Self-Represented Family Law Litigants
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Volunteer for Information Sessions for Self-Represented Family Law Litigants
April 24, 2020This is part of a series of blog posts celebrating National Volunteer Week. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please visit our website.
Many people with family law issues are unrepresented. The majority of these individuals cannot afford a lawyer or do not qualify for legal aid. When this happens, it impacts everyone in the justice process as it increases time and costs for the party who is represented, as well as the courts. SRLs often are not aware of the options for resolving issues other than going to court. The complexity of court forms and procedures and the lack of guidance through the process typically results in incomplete forms, inappropriate affidavits, missed deadlines, omissions related to swearing and serving documents, and utter confusion around presenting a case in court. Since the complexity of people’s legal problems can vary greatly, so too do their needs and appropriate remedies.
The information session provides information and hands on assistance to self-represented family law litigants:
- Helping identify if they have a legal issue
- Making referrals to support services such as counselling for non-legal issues
- explaining options for resolving family law disputes, such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, or court
- explaining procedures and rules for navigating the family justice system
- reviewing court documents to ensure they are using the correct forms
The sessions are not intended as a vehicle for providing individuals with legal advice. Participants asking for advice on their specific situations will be told to consult a lawyer.
These information sessions are 2 hours in length. They are held every Wednesday morning in Regina, a Thursday afternoon or evening or Friday morning in Saskatoon, a Thursday afternoon in Moose Jaw, and variable times in Prince Albert. Most sessions are held in libraries. And most sessions are well attended.
For more information, please visit the LSS website.