1. Volunteer Opportunities
Carol Bros –Volunteer Attorney Program Supervisor

2. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
SMRLS provides free, high-quality legal help to low-income people in critical civil matters.
For more than 100 years, we’ve helped individuals and families secure and protect their basic needs, maintaining freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse.

3. Service Area Five counties in Metro area
Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott and Washington
28 counties of southern Minnesota
Offices in St. Paul, Albert Lea, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester, Shakopee, Winona and Worthington

4. Need for Free Legal Services
2900
Number of eligible clients for each paid legal services staff attorney in Minnesota

5. Divorce Process One spouse files for divorce
“No Fault”
Other spouse must be served – notice case has started
In person – by company, sheriff, acquaintance
By mail
By publication

6. Divorce Process Has 30 days to respond
If agrees with terms, can sign and file with court
If disagrees with terms, can file with court requesting changes
If does not respond, court will give them more time
Default judgment
If minor children, required parenting classes
Varies by county

7. Divorce Process Courts want couples to work out issues Custody
Physical Custody – where child lives
Legal Custody – who makes decisions on behalf of child
Visitation
Child Support
Spousal Maintenance
Real Estate
Retirement Accounts
QDRO – Qualified Domestic Relations Order
Court allocates accounts
Separate court filing

8. Information – lawhelpmn.org

10. Information – mncourts.gov

13. Do It Yourself – Online Forms

14. Do It Yourself -- Court Self Help Centers
Answer Questions
Help fill out forms
No legal advice
State
Anoka
Chisago
Hennepin
Isanti
Kanabec
Pine
Ramsey
Sherburne
Washington
Wright

15. Find an Attorney Includes any legal issue – not just divorce
MN State Bar Association
Search by county, legal issue, if offer a free consultation
Hennepin County Bar Association
hcba.org/?page=LawyerReferralHome
Ramsey County Bar Association
ramseybar.org/find-a-lawyer/
Includes Modest Means Panel

16. Free Legal Help Advice Brief Services Full Representation
Fill out forms
Full Representation
Represent just like a retained attorney

17. Legal Advice -- Minnesota Advice Online -- mnlegaladvice.org

18. Find Help – lawhelpmn.org

24. Apply Online – justice4mn.org

25. SMRLS Staff Attorneys handle full representation cases
Focus is protecting children
Volunteer Attorneys take full representation cases
Uncontested Divorce Clinic

28. Volunteer For more information: Carol Bros 651-222-5863