Members of the Marion County Bar Association will host a free legal clinic on June 1 for low-income citizens.
Leigh Berry, Columbia attorney and spokesperson for the Bar Association, said this is the first time they’ve held this and they’re excited to give back to the community.
Berry said self-represented litigants often struggle to meet all of the requirements for properly drafted legal documents. If they come to court and their documents do not meet court requirements, their hearing will have to be rescheduled. The clinic is designed to prevent that.
It will focus on uncontested guardianships, emancipations, powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, name changes and usage of current forms for self-represented litigants in divorces.
“We’re pleased to be able to join the Chancery Court in offering this service to people who cannot afford attorneys but need access to the state’s civil courts,” Berry said.
The clinic is set for 9 a.m. until noon June 1 at the Sebe Dale Chancery Court Building, 250 Broad St. Several local practicing attorneys will be available.
“These volunteers will be able to assist self-represented litigants in drafting and correcting paperwork associated with legal proceedings. Attorneys will explain the proceedings, provide general information and answer questions,” Berry said. “The attorneys are not obligated to accompany clinic participants to court to file documents for them. The expectation is that individuals will be able to represent themselves.”
Those who wish to participate cannot have incomes that exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. That comes out to:
- Individual: $24,280
- Family of two: $32,920
- Family of three: $41,560
- Family of four: $50,200
Participants must bring proof of income, two proofs of residency and a picture ID.
The Pro-Se Legal Clinic is taking place across the 10th Chancery District, including Marion, Forrest, Pearl River, Lamar and Perry counties. It is held in conjunction with the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission, the 10th Chancery Court District and the Marion County Bar Association.
