More Help for Self-Represented (“Pro Se”) Litigants
Last week, the Missoula Family Law Self-Help Center opened in Room 271 of the Misoula County Courthouse which is located at 200 West Broadway Street in downtown Missoula. Business hours at the center are limited to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.
The center offers free legal forms and general information for divorce and parenting cases, including residential schedules, child support, medical support and property settlements. Legal advice is not offered, but manager Julie Skillicorn is present to make referrals and assist center visitors.
On August 3rd, 2008, Missoula County Judge Deschamps told the Missoulian that judicial staff attorney Charlotte Beatty, Missoula County Standing Master Brenda Desmond, YWCA of Missoula Director Cindy Weese and Program Director Kris Holmes, Missoula attorney Cynthia Thiel, a partner at Boone Karlberg, and the Montana State Bar Child and Family Law Section partnered with the Fourth Judicial District Judges to start the center. Funding was received from the Montana Supreme Court from a 2007 state legislative appropriation.
The center is expected to reduce congestion and increase efficiency at the Missoula County Courthouse by streamlining family law cases involving self-represented litigants.
Due to high demand, visitors may consider calling for an appointment at 258-3428 or emailing at missoulaselfhelp [ at ] gmail.com.
Read more in the Missoulian.
The MontanaLawHelp website is another tool for Montana DIY in the courts.