(STUART, Fla.) — Starting this January, residents of Martin County will have a new resource for navigating complex housing, consumer, and family law matters. Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS), a nonprofit law firm offering free civil legal aid, is teaming up with the Martin County Clerk’s Office to launch a series of Pro Se Family Law Clinics and Ask-a-Lawyer Consultations at the Constitutional Courthouse Complex in Stuart.
The term “Pro Se” is a Latin phrase meaning “on one’s own behalf,” referring to individuals who handle their legal cases without a lawyer. The Pro Se Family Law Clinics, scheduled for the first and second Fridays of each month, will guide participants in completing dissolution of marriage and paternity paperwork in a classroom-style format. These clinics aim to help individuals represent themselves in family law matters, particularly in the absence of legal counsel.
The meetings, held in the Jury Assembly Room on the courthouse's first floor, will kick off on January 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will run every Friday during the month of January. Starting in February, they will be held on the first four Fridays of each month.
Meanwhile, the Ask-a-Lawyer Consultations, set for the third and fourth Fridays, will offer 20-minute, one-on-one sessions with attorneys to address housing and consumer law concerns, providing much-needed legal guidance on issues such as eviction, debt, and contracts.
FRLS' YouTube Channel provides more information regarding Florida Tenant Rights:
The FRLS team is excited to kickstart the new year by providing the Martin County community with access to in-person legal aid. By increasing access to legal aid, FRLS hopes to provide the community with clarity and confidence when dealing with legal issues.
To register for a meeting, visit FRLS.org/events or call 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS)
Florida Rural Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to ensuring access to justice for low-income and vulnerable residents across Southwest and Central Florida. Through free legal services and advocacy, FRLS addresses critical legal issues such as housing, family law, consumer protection, and more. With a team of dedicated attorneys and a robust network of pro bono volunteers, FRLS strives to empower individuals and strengthen communities, advocating for those who cannot afford legal representation..