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Self-Help Centers

A Self-Help Center is a place where you can find helpful information, services and resources about your legal problem if you are not represented by an attorney. The Self-Help Centers assist people who represent themselves in the Minnesota District Courts. 
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A Self-Help Center is a place where you can find helpful information and services about your legal problem if you are not represented by an attorney. Legal information includes court forms and tools to help you complete court forms, answers to general questions about court process or procedure, and help preparing for your day in court. There are a number of different ways you can get help:
  • Read the information under Help Topics;
  • Watch videos under Help Topics;
  • Call;
  • Email; and/or
  • Visit a walk-in Self-Help Center location in person, if available. 
Please note:
  • Self-Help Center staff are court employees. Court employees cannot provide legal advice or conduct legal research. There is no attorney-client privilege or confidentiality of any information between you and the staff at a Self-Help Center. Staff must remain neutral and may provide services to other people involved with your legal problem. Self-Help staff are not responsible for the outcome of your case. Please read What Court Staff Can and Cannot Do for You.
  • For a brief explanation of the difference between legal advice and legal information and the limitations of court staff, see the Legal Advice vs. Legal Information video from the National Center for State Courts.
  • Many legal issues are time sensitive and contain strict deadlines. If you are unsure about whether deadlines apply to your legal problem, you should seek immediate legal advice from an attorney. DO NOT wait for assistance from a Self-Help Center.
  • The Help for Self-Represented Litigants handout contains information about Self-Help and MN State Law Library services as well as resources for legal advice and representation.

Statewide Self-Help Center

Phone: (651) 435-6535
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed on holidays)

Email: Self-Help Center Contact Form

Self-Help Center Workstations

Self-Help Center workstations are available in all county courthouses except Hennepin. Each workstation has a computer, phone and printer. You may visit the workstation to find legal information, print court forms, access tools to help you complete court forms, and talk with Self-Help staff over the phone. Find Your Court.


Walk-In Self-Help Center Locations

Some courts have walk-in Self-Help Centers where you can receive help in person. Before visiting a walk-in location:

  • Visit Help Topics. You may be able to find the information you need without coming to a Center in person.
  • Arrange for child care. The Self-Help Centers do not have a play area or toys for children. You and other people using the Center will need to be able to focus on legal issues without distraction.
  • Expect to spend some time on your legal issues, both on your own and at the Self-Help Center. You may not be able to take care of your legal problem in one visit.

Anoka (Tenth District)

10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Anoka County Courthouse
2100 3rd Ave., C210
Anoka, MN 55303-2489
The Center is located in the central building on the second level, across from the Jury Assembly Room.  

Self-Help Center Services available by:
 

Walk-in Hours 

Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note:  Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call  (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit.

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Chisago (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Chisago County Courthouse (Across from the Court Administration Window)
313 North Main Street
Center City, MN 55012

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-in Hours 

3rd Wednesday of Month, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability. Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hennepin (Fourth District)

Learn more about the Hennepin County Self Help Centers

The Hennepin County District Court has two Self-Help Centers that offer services to people who are representing themselves in court. The public may also visit the Hennepin County Law Library to find "do-it-yourself" legal materials and get help with legal research.

 

Government Center Self-Help Center
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Skyway level – just past A-Tower weapon screening
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0421
651-478-8757
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed holidays)
Map 
 
Family Court Self-Help Center
Family Justice Center
110 South 4th Street
1st Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55401
651-478-8757
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed holidays)
Map

Isanti (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Isanti County Courthouse (at the Court Administration Window)
555 18th Ave. SW
Cambridge, MN 55008

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-in Hours 
4th Monday of Month, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability. Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kanabec (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Kanabec County Courthouse (in the Law Library)
317 Maple Ave East
Mora, MN 55051

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-in Hours 
1st Wednesday of Month, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call  (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit.

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Pine (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Pine County Courthouse (at the Court Administration Window)
635 Northridge Drive NW
Pine City, MN 55063

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-In Hours 
2nd Wednesday of Month, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call  (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ramsey (Second District)

Ramsey County Self-Help Service Center

15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Room 190
St. Paul, MN 55102
 
Front Desk Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
Paperwork Reviews
The Self-Help Service Center is reviewing forms remotely and in-person. When turning in your paperwork, please let Self-Help staff know what type of review you want, and they will schedule an appointment for you. You can email, mail, or bring in your paperwork. You can mail in or drop off your paperwork at: Ramsey Self-Help Service Center, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, Room 190, St. Paul, MN 55102. You can email your paperwork to 2ndFamilySHSC@courts.state.mn.us.

Sherburne (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Sherburne County Courthouse (at the Court Administration Window)
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-In Hours 
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Washington (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Washington County Courthouse (1st Floor Court Administration Window)
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-In Hours 
Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wright (Tenth District)


10th Judicial District Self-Help Center

Wright County Courthouse
3700 Braddock Avenue NE, Room 1100
Buffalo, MN 55313

Self-Help Center Services available by:

Walk-In Hours 
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis based on availability.  Note: Based on staffing, hours/days are subject to change.  If you are planning to visit the Self-Help Center in person, please call (763) 760-6699 to confirm the Center is open the day you plan to visit. 

Telephone: (763) 760-6699
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please note that email response time may be 1-2 business days)
 
Zoom Appointments  
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Law Libraries

You may also be able to get help with your legal problem, including help with legal research from a law librarian at the MN State Law Library. Other law libraries also have free or low-cost access to legal research databases for the public.
 

Self Represented Litigant (SRL) Electronic Tools

Legal Terms

Information about Self-Help Centers

IMPORTANT: If you represent yourself in court, you are responsible for knowing the law and rules. Representing yourself is risky because each step in the process may have consequences that you might not think about. You should get legal advice. What is a "law?"


Constitutions

In the U.S., there is a Federal Constitution and individual State Constitutions. These written documents created the powers, duties and limits of the government, and the rights of people within the U.S. Constitutions are a part of the "law."
 

Statutes and Administrative Rules

Statutes and Administrative Rules, also known as “black letter law,” are laws written by the Legislative body of government on many topics. Statutes and Administrative Rules usually direct or command that certain actions be carried out, or that certain actions are prohibited.
 

Case Law

Case law, also known as "common law," refers to decisions put in writing by judges. The written decisions are called court “opinions.” The legal system of the U.S. is based on the common law tradition, and this means that judges usually must rely on case law (prior written decisions) to determine how laws, including statutes and rules, are to be understood and applied to the facts of new cases. Judges in lower courts, such as trial courts, usually have to make decisions that agree with the case law (i.e., opinions) from higher courts, such as the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
 

Court Rules

The Supreme Court writes many kinds of Rules that set out procedures for how courts function and what parties must do to have their cases handled in court.


Legal Research

Other Legal Resources

​ NOTE: The Minnesota Judicial Branch makes no endorsement or warranty of quality of services by linking to an organization from this website.​

 

Legal Advice Clinics by County


10th Judicial District

The Tenth Judicial District serves the counties of Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

Family Law Advice by Phone

 The Volunteer Lawyers Network offers a free 20-minute legal advice telephone consult on family law matters for individuals whose income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To schedule an appointment, please call the VLN Intake Line (612) 752-6677 at 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

 

Anoka County

The Anoka County Law Library and Central Minnesota Legal Services provide the following legal advice clinics:

Family Law Clinic (flyer): Two Thursdays each month, people can meet with an attorney on divorce, custody, child support, Orders for Protection, and other family law matters. Please call (763) 324-5560 for an appointment. The law library is on the 1st floor of the Anoka County Courthouse.

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free Criminal Expungement Clinic once a month at the Anoka County Law Library. No pre-registration is necessary. Call (763) 324-5560 for more information.

 

Chisago County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic for low-income families and individuals. Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and availability.


Isanti County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic for low-income families and individuals. Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and availability.


Kanabec County
Justice North - Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI)
 
Family Law: PAI offers a Family Law Clinic the first and third Wednesday of each month from 12:00pm-3:00pm  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.
 
Bankruptcy: PAI offers a Bankruptcy Clinic the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:00pm-3:00pm.  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.
 
Social Security: PAI offers a Social Security Clinic once a month.  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.

Pine County

Justice North - Private Attorney Involvement Program (PAI)
 
Family Law: PAI offers a Family Law Clinic the first and third Wednesday of each month from 12:00pm-3:00pm  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.
 
Bankruptcy: PAI offers a Bankruptcy Clinic the fourth Wednesday of each month from 12:00pm-3:00pm.  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.
 
Social Security: PAI offers a Social Security Clinic once a month.  The clinic is virtual (by phone or Zoom). For assistance, please call (800) 933-1112.

Sherburne County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic for low-income families and individuals. Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and availability.

Washington County

Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program
People charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony in Washington County may get some brief legal help from a private attorney in this program free of charge. Call (651) 748-9373 for details.

Washington County Legal Advice Clinic
Washington County Law Library provides three different legal clinics to the public: Family, Civil and Criminal. Each attendee will have a free 30 minute consultation with a volunteer attorney from the Washington County Bar Association. 

To be eligible for this clinic, you must live in or have a court case in Washington County. Please call (651) 430-6330 for an appointment. You may also email lawlibrary@co.washington.mn.us questions about the advice clinic or law library services.

Family Law: Marriage dissolution, child support, domestic abuse, paternity issues, child custody, visitation, spousal maintenance, name change. This clinic is held every first and third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please check the public library calendar for more details or call 651-430-6330 for more information. Appointment required. Fill out the clinic intake form.

Civil Law: Default judgment, housing/eviction, eviction expungement, creditor/debtor, judgment collection, consumer issues, conciliation court, automobile title transfer. This clinic is held every second and fourth Monday of the month from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Please check the public library calendar for more details or call 651-430-6330 for more information. Appointment required. Fill out the clinic intake form.

Criminal Law: Traffic tickets, criminal process, criminal expungement, DANCO orders. This clinic is held every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Appointment required. Fill out the clinic intake form. Please check the public library calendar for more details or call 651-430-6330 for more information.



Wright County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic for low-income families and individuals. Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at 320-257-4853 for scheduling and availability.

1st Judicial District

The First Judicial District serves the counties of Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, Le Sueur, McLeod, Scott, and Sibley.
 

Select Counties in the 1st District

Family Law Advice by Phone
Low-income people who have a court case in Carver, Dakota or Scott County can get a free 20-minute legal advice consult on family law matters from the Volunteer Lawyers Network. To schedule an appointment, please call the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.



Dakota County

Dakota County Court Administration works closely with the Dakota County Law Library and Legal Assistance of Dakota County to provide free legal clinics and other help to residents. 

Dakota County Law Library 651-438-8080 - Family Law Clinic, Criminal Law Clinic
These clinics consist of free, 30-minute phone calls with licensed attorneys. These lawyers provide advice only; they do not provide representation. There are no income restrictions. To register for the Family Law Clinic, click HERE. To register for the Criminal Law Clinic, click HERE.

Legal Assistance of Dakota County 952-431-3200 - Divorce Forms Clinic, Consumer Law Clinic
LADC is an independent, nonprofit organization located in Dakota County. They provide free legal advice, brief legal services, and in some situations, full representation. To register for help from LADC, click HERE.

For a list of clinics offered by other, regional organizations, click on LawHelpMN.org’s clinic finder HERE.
 

Scott County

Please visit the Scott County Law Library website for available clinics and other legal workshops.

Statewide Clinics
Please visit the Minnesota State Law Library website for additional clinics.

2nd Judicial District

The Second Judicial District serves Ramsey County.

Family Court Self-Help Center
 

Ramsey County

Criminal Defense Services, Inc.
Low-income defendants in Ramsey County who are not eligible for a Public Defender can see if they qualify for legal help by talking with an attorney from CDSI at their arraignment (first hearing) at the Ramsey County District Court.

Family Law Advice by Phone
Low-income people who have a court case in Ramsey County District Court can get a free 20-minute legal advice consult on family law matters from the Volunteer Lawyers Network. To schedule an appointment, please call the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Criminal Defense Law Clinic
Free legal advice consultations on criminal law issues are available on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This clinic is open to residents of any Minnesota county and is held at the Ramsey County Law Library. During the peacetime emergency, all clinic consultations will be through phone appointments only. Please call the library at 651-266-8391 after 10:00 a.m. the morning of the clinic to schedule an appointment.

Criminal Expungement Clinic
A free clinic that describes the criminal expungement process and provides help completing the forms for anyone filing an expungement for a criminal case in Ramsey County. The clinic is on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except holidays) at 1:00 p.m. in the Ramsey County Law Library on the 18th floor of the Ramsey County courthouse.

Domestic Abuse & Harassment Office (Ramsey County)
Victims can access resources and get help with the process of getting a court Order for Protection.

Family Court Self-Help Service Center
A legal clinic is available Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. for parties proceeding without attorneys. To schedule an appointment with a volunteer attorney at this legal clinic, call 651-266-5125.

Housing & Conciliation Court Self-Help Center (brochure)
Free legal advice consults with volunteer attorneys are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sign-up starts at 12:30 p.m. with a drawing held to assign individuals a spot on the list. The advice clinic is located in the Ramsey County Law Library on the 18th floor of the Ramsey County courthouse. During the peacetime emergency, all clinic consultations will be through phone appointments only. Please call the library at 651-266-8391 after 10:00 a.m. the morning of the clinic to schedule an appointment.

3rd Judicial District

The Third Judicial District serves the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona.

Dodge County

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County offers a free legal advice clinic on family law topics for Dodge County residents. This clinic is available to individuals of all income levels. Clinics are offered once a month and have limited availability, so pre-registration is encouraged. Drop-ins are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the clinic or for more information, contact Karen at karen@laocmn.org or call (507) 287-2036.

Fillmore County

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County offers a free legal advice clinic on family law topics for Fillmore County residents. This clinic is available to individuals of all income levels. Clinics are offered once a month and have limited availability, so pre-registration is encouraged. Drop-ins are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. To register for the clinic or for more information, contact Karen at karen@laocmn.org or call (507) 287-2036.

Olmsted County

The Olmsted County Law Library - Free Legal Clinics Program is offered for people representing themselves in court in Olmsted County. People can meet with a volunteer attorney for a brief consult up to 30 minutes. Topic areas may include family Law, financial cases (debtor/creditor, pre-bankruptcy), and criminal expungement. You must schedule an appointment to meet with the volunteer attorney by calling the Law Library at (507) 218-3778 or by email at staff@olmstedlawlibrary.com.

Legal Assistance of Olmsted County (LAOC) provides a free legal advice clinic on landlord-tenant issues for low-income individuals. The clinic is held every Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at LAOC's offices, located at 1700 N. Broadway, Suite 124, Rochester, MN. You can attend the clinic as a walk-in or you can pre-register.

LAOC also offers periodic bankruptcy clinics. In order to attend a bankruptcy clinic, you must first complete an application to determine your eligibility.  
 

4th Judicial District

The Fourth Judicial District serves Hennepin County.

Hennepin County

See Hennepin Legal Advice Clinics for a listing of various legal advice clinics offered at Hennepin County courthouse locations.
See the Volunteer Lawyers Network for a listing of legal advice clinics offered at various locations in the community.

Domestic Abuse Service Center (Hennepin County)
Victims can access resources and get help with the process of getting a court Order for Protection.

Family Law Advice by Phone
Low-income people who have a court case in Hennepin County can get a free 20-minute legal advice consult on family law matters from the Volunteer Lawyers Network. To schedule an appointment, please call the VLN Intake Line at (612) 752-6677 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

5th Judicial District

The Fifth Judicial District serves the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan.

Self-Help Workshops
 
The Fifth Judicial District serves the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, and Watonwan.
 
Services provided by the attorney at the self-help workshops include reviewing documents; advising on the content of the documents; on legal issues and procedures; on the next steps; answering questions and providing explanation as needed.
 
Dates:
First and Third Wednesday of each month (subject to change)
 
Time:
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Each appointment time is 45 minutes in length. Only three appointment times available per session.
 
Locations:
Workshops are done by Zoom Video Conferencing and available to all in the Fifth Judicial District.
 
Fee:
There is a $40 fee (includes credit card charges) per person attending the workshop.
 
Contact:
Ruth Harms at Ruth.Harms@courts.state.mn.us or (507) 594-3044
Fifth Judicial District Administration Office

6th Judicial District

The Sixth Judicial District serves the counties of Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis (Duluth, Hibbing, and Virginia).
 

7th Judicial District

The Seventh Judicial District serves the counties of Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd, and Wadena.
 

Becker County

In partnership with the Becker County Law Library, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) hosts a Self-Help Clinic on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Help is available on a first come, first served basis. There are no asset or income eligibility requirements, and no appointments are necessary. The law library is in the basement of the Becker County courthouse in Detroit Lakes. For the most up-to-date information on this clinic, call LSNM at (800) 450-8585 or visit their website. 


Clay County

In partnership with the Clay County Law Library, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) hosts a Self-Help Clinic on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. AND every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Help is available on a first come, first served basis. There are no asset or income eligibility requirements, and no appointments are necessary. The law library is in the basement of the Clay County courthouse in Moorhead. For the most up-to-date information on this clinic, call LSNM at (800) 450-8585 or visit their website. 

Mille Lacs County

The Mille Lacs County Law Library, located in the Mille Lacs County Courthouse, provides a Self-Help Program that offers general legal advice and help with completing court forms. The attorney is available on Mondays from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Otter Tail County

In partnership with the Otter Tail County Law Library, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM) hosts a Self-Help clinic on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Help is available on a first come, first served basis. There are no asset or income eligibility requirements, and no appointments are necessary. The law library is on the third floor of the Otter Tail County courthouse in Fergus Falls. For the most up-to-date information on this clinic, call LSNM at (800) 450-8585 or visit their website. 

Stearns County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic the first four Thursdays of each month for low-income families and individuals.
Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. 
At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at (320) 403-1051 for scheduling and availability.
 

Todd County Legal Advice Clinic

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic on civil legal issues for eligible clients on the 4th Monday of the month. The clinic is held from 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the Staples Public Library and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Long Prairie Library. Pre-registration is required.  For questions, or to register, please contact CMLS at (320) 257-4855 or 1-800-622-7773.

8th Judicial District

The Eighth Judicial District serves the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine.

Kandiyohi County

Central Minnesota Legal Services offers a free legal advice clinic on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month for low-income families and individuals. Please note that certain topics will only be covered on specific weeks based on attorney availability. At this time, the clinics are held remotely. Pre-registration is required. Please call the clinic coordinator at (320) 403-1051 for scheduling and availability.

9th Judicial District

The Ninth Judicial District serves the counties of Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau.

Beltrami County
A Self-Help Clinic is available on the third Wednesday of each month from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. to provide free help in completing court forms at the Beltrami County Judicial Center, 600 Minnesota Ave NW #108, Bemidji, MN 56601. This clinic is hosted by Legal Services of Northwestern Minnesota, which can be reached by calling 1-800-450-8585. 

Polk County
A Self-Help Clinic is available on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Polk County Justice Center, Courthouse Law Library, 2nd Floor, 816 Marin Avenue, Crookston, Minnesota. Please note: this clinic is NOT operated by Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota. 

Court of Appeals Clinics

If you are working on filing an appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, you may be able to get help over the phone at the Appeals Self-Help Clinic through the Minnesota State Law Library. Download the flyer to learn more about the hours and process of the clinic. If you are appealing a denial of unemployment benefits to the Court of Appeals, the State Law Library also hosts an Unemployment Appeal Legal Advice Clinic that you can attend by telephone. Download the flyer to learn more about the hours and process of the clinic.


If you want to attend the Appeals Self-Help Clinic or the Unemployment Appeal Legal Clinic, you must request an appointment through the links above, by calling (651) 297-7651, or by emailing askalibrarian@courts.state.mn.us. 

Probate Brief Advice Telephone Clinic

The MN State Law Library hosts a Probate Clinic for brief advice about the probate process in Minnesota. There is no income limit and advice is available to customers statewide by telephone. 

If you want to attend the Probate Brief Advice Telephone Clinic you must make an appointment on the MN State Law Library website.  

Mitchell Hamline School of Law Clinic

Free clinics are available on family law, criminal expungement, and eviction expungement issues through the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Self-Help Center. Appointments are preferred for family law and criminal expungement assistance, and appointments are required for eviction expungement assistance. Both in-person and remote appointments are offered. See the Mitchell Hamline Self-Help Clinic website for specific dates and times of the clinics. Appointments can be made online using the Appointment Scheduling Form or by emailing selfhelp.clinic@mitchellhamline.edu.

Volunteer Lawyers Network

Volunteer Lawyers Network provides free legal services to qualifying low-income clients in Minnesota for many types of issues, including: bankruptcy, criminal records expungement, conciliation court/small claims court lawsuits, debtor-creditor issues, employment law, family law issues, housing issues, immigration issues, and some other issues.  Please call (612) 752-6677 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays if you would like to request free legal help or go to www.vlnmn.org for more information.