In probate court, we see many many individuals who are representing themselves or are in "pro per." It is extremely difficult to navigate probate court without an attorney, but we understand that the estates at issue may not be large enough to warrant hiring legal representation or the individuals are beneficiaries of relatively small amounts. Further, a growing number of people with legal problems do not qualify for legal aid, cannot afford an attorney, but still require assistance navigating the court system.
For those who are representing themselves, you should be aware that last week the Los Angeles Superior Court opened its 12th self-help legal access center, located at the Pasadena Courthouse. The resource center is located at the L.A. County Superior Court, 300 East Walnut, Room 300 (3rd floor) Pasadena, California. It is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
It will be staffed by court employees, legal aid partners and Justice Corps student interns. Services will also be available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese. The Pasadena self-help center will be offering workshops and clinics on elder law as well as family law and other legal topics. Currently, there are no probate workshops planned but that may change. The downtown center has classes for pro per conservators and guardians who are low-income.
For those who cannot afford an attorney during the probate process, the Los Angeles County Superior Court has an extensive website to help walk those who are self-presented through the process. go to: http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/probate/index.asp?selfhelp=1
Other courthouse-based, self-help legal access centers are located in Antelope Valley-Lancaster, Compton, Inglewood, Long Beach, Pomona, San Fernando, Santa Monica, Torrance and Van Nuys.
Any questions or comments should be directed to: hm@moravecslaw.com or (626) 793-3210.
Henry (Hank) Moravec is a partner at Moravecs, A Professional Law Corporation, in San Marino, California. He focuses his practice on Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, Beneficiary and Trustee Representation, Tax Law, and Nonprofit Law.
He represents clients throughout Southern California and his office is conveniently located for clients in the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Orange Counties. The firm website is: http://www.moravecslaw.com
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