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The Ask-A-Lawyer program will start offering free legal advice more often. The next session is Aug. 21.
By JOY DAVIS-PLATT
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 11, 2000
BROOKSVILLE -- People with legal questions will soon have access to free services of often expensive lawyers.
This month, the Hernando County Bar Association will expand its Ask-A-Lawyer program from once per year to once every three months. Several local attorneys will be available to provide residents with free legal consultation. Volunteers will review legal documents (wills, contracts, deeds, etc.), answer questions and explain legal issues.
Karen Nicolai, clerk of the Circuit Court, said people often come to her office with question about the law. But although her staffers may offer procedural information, they cannot give legal advice.
"That kind of service should be a great help," said Nicolai, whose staff often refers people to the legal library or to a legal aid service. "A lot of times, a lawyer would be better equipped to answer the questions they have." But the library can be a daunting place for someone with no legal background, she said.
And in order to qualify for help at the county's legal aid office, people must meet minimum income requirements. But for many, the service is no help because although they are above the poverty level, they still do not make enough to afford a lawyer, Nicolai said.
"It's a real Catch 22," she said.
Most of the questions at the court clerk's office are about domestic matters such as divorce, child custody and child support, Nicolai said.
"These are the kinds of things that make the legal system work better and get people the kind of help they need," said Glenn Shuman, executive director of Withlacoochee Area Legal Services, a non-profit organization that provides legal counsel for low-income residents.
The Ask-A-Lawyer program will be a good option for those who do not qualify for legal aid through his organization, Shuman said. Lawyers in his offices handle everything except criminal cases, Shuman said. But the bulk of his cases involve consumer complaints.
"We see everything from people with problems with used cars to trouble with home improvement contractors," he said.
A number of Shuman's clients need legal counsel for divorce proceedings, but the office handles only family law cases that involve children.
"It would be wonderful if we had the resources to represent everyone who comes to us for help with their divorce," he said.
"This new program might pick up some of those who don't qualify for that."
The next Ask-A-Lawyer session will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 21 in the Hernando County Commission Chambers at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St., Brooksville.
There is no cost or obligation, and no appointments are necessary. For information, call 754-4284.