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Self-Help Resource Centers (SHRC)

What is a Self-Help Resource Center?

A Self-Help Resource Center is a place where you can find helpful information and services about your legal problem if you are not represented by an attorney. Legal information includes court forms and tools to help you complete court forms, answers to general questions about court process or procedure, and help preparing for your day in court.

Domestic Matters at the State Courts

The most common issues for people seeking to represent themselves in state courts are domestic matters such as:

While individuals (also known as litigants) are encouraged to have a lawyer represent them, financial limitations sometimes prevent many from securing counsel. Both the 24th Judicial District Court (JDC) in Gretna and the Orleans Civil District Court (CDC) in New Orleans have resources for individuals to receive information.

Click here for information on the Domestic Self-Help Resource Center…

Bankruptcy Matters at U.S. Bankruptcy Court

In federal bankruptcy court, self-represented filers often file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection.

The Pro Bono Project operates a SHRC at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana to assist self-represented filers with the completion of bankruptcy petitions and schedules, to help guide filers through the court’s new Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system, and to help visitors, before they file, receive information on referrals for attorneys or other legal resources.  

Click here for information on the Bankruptcy Self-Help Resource Center…

What do volunteers provide SHRC visitors?

Volunteers can assist visitors to the SHRCs with the completion of court approved forms.  Volunteers do not give legal advice, but assist visitors with access to legal forms, information, and referrals. If you would like more information on our Self-Help Resource Centers, call us at 504.581.4043.

What is not provided to SHRC visitors?

The Pro Bono Project and its volunteers do not provide legal advice to the public. Information on our website, at the SHRC and its hotline, including all files and hyperlinks therein contained, are guides for self-represented litigants and filers. It is not legal advice and should not be considered as legal advice.

The Pro Bono Project will not answer questions about content or how it may pertain to an individual case, except as required by law. Those seeking guidance concerning a legal action should consult with an attorney.

This information does not, is not intended to, shall not be construed to, and may not be relied upon to create or to limit any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or criminal. Do not cite this material in filings with any Court; cite the applicable rules and law.

What is a Self-Represented Litigant?

People who represent themselves in court without a lawyer are called Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs), also sometimes called pro se litigants.  Under the law, an SRL is held to the same standards and duties as an attorney admitted to the practice of law in the state of Louisiana.  A Self-Represented Litigant is presumed to know the law. This means that an SRL is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish this in accordance with the appropriate statues and court rules.

The Self-Help Desk provides SRLs with legal information & court-approved forms. No legal advice is provided.

How do I provide feedback on my experience at a SHRC?

Exit Survey | After you have used the SHRC services, please take our exit survey. We appreciate your feedback.  

Other Online Resources for Self-Represented Litigants

Watch a brief video on “A Guide to Court”

Louisiana Law Help | Free legal information and additional resources for the state of Louisiana

Self-Represented Litigants Law | Legal Resources for Self-Represented Litigant from the Louisiana Supreme Court

Uncontested Divorce, No Children or Property Orleans Parish | Resources for Orleans Parish residents seeking divorce with no children and no property

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center | Resources for Louisiana-based grandparents raising grandchildren

VINE - Victim Information Network | For the security of the victims of crime to locate incarcerated perpetrators

Free Legal Answers | Ask our volunteer attorneys a specific question about your civil legal issue. This is an income-based eligibility service.

How to Find Free Legal Help | Income Eligibility Required

Often Self-Represented Litigants find that they need or want an attorney to assist with their case.

  • The Pro Bono Project | Income Eligibility Required | 504.581.4043
    Services provided by volunteer lawyers include:

    • Consumer Rights and Contracts; Family Safety and Stability; Employment and Wage Issues; Intellectual Property; Wills & Estates & Successions; Tenant & Homeowner’s Rights; General Civil Law Issues; Contractor Fraud

  • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) | Income Eligibility Required | Jefferson 504.374.0977 | Orleans 504-529-1000
    SLLS offers free legal aid for low-income people in Louisiana who are currently facing the following problems:

    • Domestic Violence; Other Family; Predatory Lenders; Consumer Law; Housing; Low Income Taxpayer; Government Benefits; Employment; School; Homelessness; Elderly Services; Successions/Title Clearing; Home Mortgage Foreclosures; Child Victims Of Abuse And/Or Neglect

Other Legal Resources | Hiring an Attorney

If an individual does not qualify for free civil legal aid, there are several options to find lawyers who may work with you for a reduced fee, one-time consult for fee, or other affordable fee arrangement.

New Orleans Bar Association (NOBA) Lawyer Referral Service
online at NOBA Find A Lawyer

Depending on the ability to pay, individuals are directed to:

  • NOBA Lawyer Referral Service Modest Means | Program for clients under $75,000 annual income, hourly rates will be no more than $75 per hour;

  • NOBA Lawyer Referral Service | Private attorneys are available for those who wish to pay regular fees, set by the attorney. Consultation fee is $75 for the first hour.

LIFT - Legal Innovators for Tomorrow Program | This program consists of solo practitioners committed to providing quality, affordable legal services. Please note that the LIFT Program is not a law firm.

Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Modest Means Online Legal Directory | Income Eligibility Required | This Louisiana State Bar Association directory provides contact information of attorneys who charge reduced rates or charge less because they represent someone for part, and not all, of a case - limited representation/unbundled services.

For Brief Advice and Information

  • Louisiana Free Legal Answers | Income Eligibility Required | Ask a volunteer attorney about your specific, civil legal issue and they will reply with their professional opinion.

  • Louisiana Law Supreme Court Self Represented Litigant Resources | This guide offers helpful information to Louisiana self-represented litigants including help finding legal information, resources, and referrals.

  • Louisiana Law Help | This website includes civil legal aid resources available throughout Louisiana, as well as Frequently Asked Questions on divorce and custody.

  • Louisiana Domestic Violence Hotline | 1.888.411.1333 | 24-hour Hotline. Free. Confidential.  

 

About This Page

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE

The following is informational only. The Pro Bono Project is not providing legal advice to the public. The following information, including all files and hyperlinks therein contained, are guides for self-represented litigants. It is not legal advice and should not be considered as legal advice.

The Pro Bono Project will not answer questions about content or how it may pertain to an individual case, except as required by law. Those seeking guidance concerning a legal action should consult with an attorney.

This information does not, is not intended to, shall not be construed to, and may not be relied upon to create or to limit any rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any matter, civil or criminal. Do not cite this material in filings with any Court; cite the applicable rules and law.

Warning to Incarcerated or Detained Persons: Please note that some parts of this information will not apply to actions filed by incarcerated or detained persons. Detained litigants are often required to comply with different statutes and Court rules. These rules may include—but are not limited to—the use of Court-approved forms where applicable and the exhaustion of administrative remedies prior to filing suit.