New program helps people in northwest Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin - Dec. 17, 2002

People who choose to represent themselves in court in 13 northwest Wisconsin counties may have an easier time navigating the system thanks to new handouts available free from the courts.

The materials are part of an effort in the 13 northwestern Wisconsin counties that comprise the Tenth Judicial District (Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, and Washburn) to improve access to the courts for people who are doing their own legal work. Every year, approximately 10,000 individuals in these counties represent themselves in family matters and other civil cases, and this figure does not include small claims and traffic - where nearly all litigants proceed without attorneys. 

Tenth District Chief Judge Edward R. Brunner, Barron County Circuit Court, initiated this effort in collaboration with attorneys, judges, court commissioners, clerks of court, Wisconsin Judicare (a legal services program that assists low-income people) and the Legal Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin - Superior. "My concern as chief judge is to ensure that every person has access to the court system," Brunner said. "I recognize the invaluable role of lawyers and encourage litigants to obtain legal representation. Nevertheless, citizens do have a constitutional right to represent themselves. Court forms, instructions and processes should be as understandable and straightforward as possible."

The handouts available now include:

• A one-page guide entitled Need Help with a Legal Problem? that provides suggestions, toll-free numbers, and Web sites to visit.

• A directory of attorneys who practice in the county. The directory contains detailed information on each attorney, including whether the attorney charges for an initial consultation, and whether s/he is willing to provide limited representation, such as document preparation or review of completed forms.

Beginning Jan. 2, 2003, as part of an experimental pilot program, the following materials (available at a minimal fee) will be added:

• Forms and instructions ( funded by a local bar grant from the State Bar of Wisconsin ) for divorce with children, divorce without children, and post-divorce matters such as change of visitation.
• A guide entitled Should I Represent Myself in Court? to help litigants weigh the risks and responsibilities of proceeding without a lawyer.

Atty. Timothy O'Brien, chair of the Tenth District Self-Represented Litigants Initiative and a lawyer in the St. Croix County community of New Richmond, recruited attorneys to volunteer their time drafting and reviewing the materials. "Local attorneys have expressed strong support for this project," O'Brien said. "They realize that this project will make the court system more efficient, which improves access to justice for all local residents."

For more information contact:
Amanda Todd
Court Information Officer
(608) 264-6256

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