Funding boost for legal self-help centers

New Access to Justice Legal Self Help Centers – designed to help low-income residents who are trying to deal with the legal system without a costly attorney – received unanimous support for future funding from the Board of Indian River County Commissioners at its May 16 meeting.

Clerk of Circuit Court Jeff Smith told the commission that the initiative, which is designed to aid self-represented litigants, should help reduce court backlogs and costs.

“There’s a lot of need for people to have assistance through the justice system that can’t afford it. We will be able to serve them and get them through the process. This is a great accomplishment. It’s a big thing for Indian River County,” added Smith, who will retire from his position June 30.