Help Desk assists pro se litigants at courthouse

As part of their long-standing relationship, the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) and Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. (LAD) are continuing their co-sponsorship of a help desk for pro se litigants at the Oakland County Courthouse.  The help desk is located in the lobby of the north entrance of the courthouse, 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. It’s now open on the fourth Thursday of every month from noon to 2 p.m.

“Our long-standing relationship with Legal Aid and Defender is an important one,” Terri Ticknor Gilbert, OCBA executive director, said. “It’s important to our mission of providing legal services for those whose can’t afford them. The help desk is an important part of that mission.”

“Court officials can’t provide legal advice or referrals to pro se litigants,” Kelly Bidelman, managing attorney of LAD’s Oakland County office in Pontiac, said.  “However, the help desk can provide timely legal information and referrals to these litigants. We’re also helping the court by reducing its workload.”