The Sacramento County Public Law Library (SCPLL) is the new home to the Civil Self Help Center which was formerly located in the Sacramento Superior Court. The Civil Self Help Center provides self represented litigant’s FREE legal advice and information on a variety of civil issues including but not limited to responding to a breach of contract complaint, name change, discovery requests, and much more.

The center came about through a partnership with SCPLL, the Sacramento Superior Court and the Voluntary Legal Services Program of the Sacramento County Bar Association. SCPLL contracts with VLSP to staff the CSHC. VLSP staff consists of a staff attorney and two paralegals. SCPLL staff work with VLSP each morning to “triage” the incoming customers. Staff assist in directing customers to CSHC workshops or in making appointments for one-on-one assistance.

The Sacramento Superior Court due to the state’s economic crisis could no longer fund this important program out of their general fund. SCPLL spoke with the court’s executive office about transitioning the program to SCPLL and a partnership developed whereby the court provided the furnishings and initial office equipment for SCPLL to get the center off the ground. In addition the Superior Court also is providing some grant monies to defray some of the staffing costs. This worked out to be a win-win for all concerned: the program continues to provide much needed services to the public, SCPLL expands services and increases visibility and value in the community and the Superior Court continues to support improved access to justice!

Visit http://www.saclaw.org/pages/civil-self-help-center.aspx for more information about Civil Self Help Center!