The Oakland County Probate Court recognizes that many
individuals may be involved in court cases without the benefit of a an attorney
and in some Probate Court matters an attorney is not required.
Individuals who represent themselves are referred to as a "pro
se" or "self-represented" litigant and are acting as their own
attorney. Please be advised that this site cannot provide legal
advice. The laws of Michigan do not allow the employees of the court or the
judge to give you legal advice. Resources that may be of benefit to
self-represented litigants are listed below. The court does not guarantee
the accuracy or timeliness of the information given by these resources.
Websites listed below have been screened for basic reliability at the
time of inclusion but are subject to change as could volunteer schedules.
Please keep in mind that many free legal aid services are based on an
individuals need and proof of indigency may be required.
On-Site Assistance
The Legal Aid and Defender Association (LAD) and Oakland County Law Library have
partnered together to offer free legal aid clinics to low income individuals at
the Oakland County Law Library. Visit the Law Library for more information about the services.
The Michigan Legal Self-Help Center of Oakland County is
located in the Oakland County Adams-Pratt Law
Library in the Oakland County Courthouse, Building 14 East - 2nd Floor,
at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. in Pontiac. Hours are Monday through Friday,
8:30am to 5:00pm. In addition to the online tools, self-help center staff (called ‘navigators’) will be available to help
visitors find what they need on the website, answer questions about court
practices and processes, and answer simple questions about forms that are
available on the website. Please be advised navigators cannot give
legal advice.
The Common Ground
Legal Aid Clinic is hosted by the Oakland County Adams-Pratt
Law Library every Thursday from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Individuals
may come for a free consultation with a licensed attorney on any legal matter. Participation is on a first come, first served walk-in
basis. For more information, please contact Common Ground at 1-800-231-1127.
Community Resources
The Oakland
County Bar Association also offers a variety of community
education programs as well as free legal aid clinics around Oakland County.
Information is available on the Oakland County Bar Association website.
On-Line Resources
The
State Court Administrative Office offers a great deal of information for the
public. Visit their website to use their Self-Represented Litigants page.
Michigan Legal Help is
an online resource from the Legal
Service Corporation, a Federal non-profit organization, in conjunction with
the Michigan State Bar
Foundation.
Court forms approved for use by the State Court Administrative Office.
Veterans and Military
Families
Many
special services are available to our Nations veterans and service members. The
State of Michigan Attorney General’s Office has compiled lists of
resources and assistance programs for veterans as well as active service
members, and their families.
View Local
Oakland County Veterans Services Information.
The
Michigan Legislature publishes Veterans
Benefit information as well.