4th JDC | The lack of financial resources was an obstacle. |
7th JDC | Financial obstacles - there are no funds available to provide the services that are necessary to help a self-represented litigant. This may be over come with grants to help smaller courts with limited funds available to provide services to self-represented litigants. |
9th JDC | A challenge has been the lack of understanding of the legal expectations for custody. The court is in the process of using the hearing officer to assist in a mediation of sorts between the parties. Another obstacle is the lack of funds to cover personnel. |
10th JDC | The legal services provided through the local pro-bono agency are very limited and restrictive. |
16th JDC | The St. Martin Parish Family Court encountered obstacles when explaining that the court cannot provide legal advice. This obstacle was overcome by directing court users to the Lafayette Bar, Acadiana Legal Services, self-represented litigant information and signage, and battered women's shelter for resources. |
18th JDC | The 18th Judicial District lacked the financial resources to implement any of these strategies. |
20th JDC | The 20th JDC found that lack of funding was an obstacle. |
24th JDC | Space for the self-help desk is an obstacle. It is currently being run out of the Judicial Administration conference room. |
25th JDC | Providing kiosks or desks with staff is a financial burden. |
30th JDC | The 30th JDC found that too many litigants do research on the internet and pull documents and law unrelated to state law. |
33rd JDC | Self-represented litigants who are limited in education and ability to complete forms were an obstacle. These individuals are given pamphlets to refer them to the Civil Justice Helpline. |
34th JDC | The district lacks the resources and personnel to provide such assistance at this time. |
36th JDC | The court has been unsuccessful in finding attorneys to assist. |
38th JDC | One obstacle that this court experiences is self-represented litigants' lack of knowledge of rules and procedures. Having pre-trial conferences with self-represented litigants helps because the judge may explain rules and procedures prior to being on the record. Remaining patient on the bench and allowing the litigants sufficient time to present their case helps this situation. Another obstacle is the self-represented litigant not having proper admissible evidence. If this is made known in the pretrial conference, then the judge will allow a continuance to allow the litigant to get admissible evidence. |
Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court | The court found that an obstacle was specialized areas of law that are difficult to properly explain without giving legal advice. |
Orleans Parish Civil District Court | An obstacle in Orleans Parish Civil District Court was going through the process of transferring staffing of the help desk from one agency to another. Challenges were associated with staffing during transition period. |
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court | Our court handles only criminal matters and appoints counsel for them. |