AppalReD Legal Aid's Community Family Law Clinics Receive Support from Kentucky Bar Foundation

Prestonsburg, KY - AppalReD Legal Aid received a $20,000 grant from the Kentucky Bar Foundation for their project "Expanding Access to Justice Through Pro Se Law Clinics." It was awarded at the Annual Fellows and Partners for Justice Society Luncheon in Covington, KY.

AppalReD Legal Aid will host 24 pro se family law clinics over the next year, in locations across the service area and virtually.

Angeleigh Dorsey, Executive Director, says, "These clinics are a great way to expand access to justice in our community. About 260,000 individuals live below the poverty line in our region. Because of limited resources, we cannot serve everyone who qualifies for assistance. We must think creatively about how to expand access to justice."

The pro se family law clinics serve individuals or "litigants" who represent themselves in simple divorce cases but who do not have the legal knowledge to draft and file the appropriate documents to be able to get the cases into the courts and through to the entry of a final Decree. These clinics can also help with custody.

Charnel Burton, Pro Bono Director, says, "Going to court alone can be intimidating and confusing. These clinics empower community members by providing the tools, knowledge, and support needed to navigate the legal process. Community members walk out feeling very confident. They know they have what they need to file and appear in court."

As part of the grant, AppalReD Legal Aid's Pro Bono Program will also be testing out new community clinic models, including helping community members draft wills.

If you are interested in attending a clinic, please call AppalReD Legal Aid's Central Intake at 1-866-277-5733.