Prior to the clinic, the volunteer attorney will be given a list of clients to make a conflicts check. The volunteer also reviews all of the initial paperwork to determine the accuracy of the documents. On the night of the clinic, the assembled clients are given an overview of the clinic process, and asked to sign a retainer agreement. The group then watches a videotape which demonstrates how the divorce case will proceed, followed by a question and answer session. After the video presentation, each client meets individually with the volunteer attorney assigned to their case.
All paperwork is reviewed with the client to determine accuracy.
Any changes that must be made are done on-site by Prairie State Legal Services staff. The client then signs all necessary papers. The Coordinator will file all cases, arrange for service on the Respondents, and schedule the final hearing dates. The Court has prearranged dates for Divorce Clinic cases, so volunteer attorneys need to appear only once for their cases. These clinics are held at the Will County Legal Assistance office.