Chief Justice Nancy E. Rice to make opening remarks in Denver

Have questions about estate planning, divorce cases, appeals or adoptions? Wondering how to seal your case or collect on a legal judgment? The Colorado Judicial Department is providing a variety of free resources in five locations around the state on Legal Resource Day, Sept. 30, 2016.

Recognizing that an increasing number of Coloradans each year choose to represent themselves in legal matters that can be intimidating and overwhelming without an attorney’s help, the Judicial Department remains committed to providing self-represented litigants the information and education they need to be prepared to appear before a judge.

Legal Resource Day is one way the Colorado Judicial Department provides that assistance. On Sept. 30, volunteer lawyers and others will teach sessions in Denver, Grand Junction, Breckenridge, Fort Collins and Pueblo.

“Legal Resource Day helps ensure people representing themselves can come to the courtroom prepared to navigate processes and procedures effectively,” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nancy E. Rice said. “When pro se litigants are well-prepared, that also helps the courts efficiently handle the rest of their business, so I sincerely hope many people will come to learn more about the judicial system.”

Chief Justice Rice will kick off Legal Resource Day at 10 a.m. with opening remarks at the Denver City and County Building (1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202) to welcome participants and provide an overview of the sessions being offered.

Courthouses celebrating Legal Resource Day are:

·      Denver District Court, 1437 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

·      Mesa County Justice Center, 125 N. Spruce St., Grand Junction, CO 81501, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

·      Summit County Justice Center, 501 N. Park Ave., Breckenridge, CO 80424, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

·      Larimer County Justice Center, 201 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

·      Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Building, 501 N. Elizabeth, Pueblo, CO 81003, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Times for the hour-long sessions will vary by location. Interpreters will be available. Information on specific sessions for each of the participating courthouses is available at https://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help/legalday/index.cfm. Registration is recommended but not required. Sessions include:

·      Estate planning

·      Courtroom procedures, service, form etiquette, captions

·      Myth busters for divorce cases

·      Appeals

·      Collections and garnishments

·      How to seal a case

·      Adoption

·      Guardianship and conservatorship matters

·      Evictions

·      Drafting parenting plans

To register for one or more of the free Legal Resource Day sessions, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YPNHQB9.

      Legal Resource Day is sponsored by the Colorado Judicial Branch and Colorado Judicial Institute.