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Self Help

Self Help

 

Representing yourself in court

This "virtual" Self-Help Center has information and links to legal resources to help you represent yourself in Nebraska Courts.

The information here is not a substitute for legal advice. You should to talk with a lawyer licensed to practice law in Nebraska to get legal advice on your issue. See disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

 


 

General Information - Nebraska Courts

 

  • Free Legal Information* (Brochures in areas from Bankruptcy to Wills in English and Spanish) - from the Nebraska Bar Association

  • State Library. Additional forms/information (beyond the items listed below) may possibly be located through the Nebraska State Library in the State Capitol Building.  The library is staffed by reference librarians, not lawyers.  They can assist you in looking for existing materials on your topic of interest, but cannot advise you on how to complete forms or on which forms you should use.  Find contact information for the State Library by clicking the link above.  (Your local library may also be of assistance to you.)

 

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Self-Help Desks in Lincoln and Omaha

There are Self-Help Centers in Lincoln and Omaha operated by volunteer lawyers which may be able to be of assistance to you.  Legal information, assistance with forms, and brief legal advice is provided through the centers which are opened limited hours (see below). 

  • Lincoln (Lancaster County)

    • Open Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursdays from Noon to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

    The Self-Help Desk is located off the Jury Lounge on the third floor at the Lancaster County Courthouse at 575 South 10th Street in Lincoln.  No appointments are needed and individuals are offered assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.
      

  • Omaha (Douglas County)

    Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    The Self-Help Desk is located in the Douglas County Law Library.  Follow the connector-hallway between the Douglas County Courthouse and the 1st Floor Hall of Justice, 17th and Farnam in Omaha.  For questions or further information, call the Library at 402-444-7174.

 

  • Tri City Center (Hastings, Grand Island, Kearney)

    Open Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    The Self-Help Desk is located on the lower level of the Hall County Courthouse (across from Courtroom #3) at 111 West First Street in Grand Island.  No appointments are needed and individuals are offered assistance on a first-come, first-served basis.


The centers do not offer assistance with criminal cases and questions are not taken by phone. Both centers are coordinated by the Nebraska State Bar Association Director of Legal Services.

 

Legal Help Outside the Courts

State Library. Located in the Nebraska State Capitol, open to the public. (Your local library may also be of assistance to you.)

Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution-approved mediation centers throughout the State. Nebraska has six (6) mediation centers located throughout the state to assist individuals with various disputes. If you would like to try mediation, contact a center near you.

Legal Aid of Nebraska. Provides legal aid to low income persons in non-criminal cases. Access line: 877-250-2016.

Omaha Bar Association Lawyer Referral (Omaha, Papillion area). Refers callers to private practicing attorneys in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

The Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. The Volunteer Lawyers Project is a Statewide volunteer legal services project and referral network founded on the belief that all citizens should have access to the legal system, regardless of ability to pay.

The Nebraska State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service. The Lawyer Referral Service is provided by the NSBA for individuals who need a lawyer licensed to practice in the State of Nebraska and are not familiar with the legal community. Please contact the service at:

P O Box 81809
Lincoln, NE 68501-1809
In Lincoln: (402) 475-7091
Client WATS: 800-742-3005

Disclaimer

In some circumstances people have chosen to represent themselves, or circumstances dictate that they do so. In order to ensure that self representation is undertaken with as much understanding as possible, this portion of the Judicial Branch Web site is designed to connect you with information or services that will better inform you of your options. The materials provided on this Web site are a product of either the Office of the State Court Administrator or the Nebraska Supreme Court Implementation Committee on Pro Se Litigation. While these materials have been approved by the Nebraska Supreme Court for publication on this Web site, they are provided as a public service and any questions regarding their use in your circumstances are best answered by an attorney. If you choose to represent yourself in a court proceeding by use of this information, it is still recommended that you consult an attorney. Please remember that court employees are prohibited for ethical reasons from dispensing advice or opinions about anything that may come before a court. We are also strictly precluded from interpreting any laws. If you need any legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your area. The Nebraska Judicial Branch makes no endorsement or warranty of quality of services by linking to an organization from this Web site.

 

 


This file last modified Tuesday January 05, 2010 13:05:19

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