Starting in 2023, Wake County has begun offering a support center to aid self-represented litigants throughout the legal processes they may encounter. The Wake County Legal Support Center was created to provide easy access to forms, worksheets, and information on legal issues for all Wake County residents. While there is a heavy focus on domestic issues like housing or family law matters, many layman facing litigation may be able to find support through the Legal Support Center regardless of their case type, including criminal or civil lawsuits.
The center also focuses on community resources by partnering with other organizations. As such, they are able to offer free legal clinics and referrals for attorneys or other legal agencies. Some of these organizations include but are not limited to Legal Aid of NC, NC Justice Center, and the Judicial Standards Commission.
It should be worth noting, however, that the Legal Support Center is not a replacement for an attorney. When you hire a lawyer, there is an expectation of attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, or at the very least the promise that your lawyer will not advise the opposing party in your case. Unlike the privileges one obtains by speaking to a lawyer, the Legal Support Center cannot offer any of these privileges. Any information told to staff is not bound by the same constraints, as Legal Support Center staff are expected to remain neutral in all cases and thus may speak to other parties involved with your case. While the Legal Support Center can be very helpful in aiding your case, be aware that its staff are not responsible for the outcome.
Please also be aware of the deadlines associated with your case. There is often a strict window of time that needs to be adhered to when defending oneself from a legal issue. As such, understand that the Legal Support Center may not be your best option in a legal emergency. However, if you have ample time to prepare for your case and cannot seek legal counsel, you are encouraged to utilize the Legal Support Center for your case.
If you find that you have questions that the Legal Support Center cannot answer in regards to your family law case, call our office at 919-787-6668 to schedule a consultation with an attorney or receive a referral.
