If you are 60 years of age or older contact your local area office of aging and request legal assistance. Hire a general practitioner attorney for one hour and let him or her advise you about alternatives. A Word of Caution Whether you are seeking help from a lawyer or an independent paralegal you need to know how to select the good from the bad, the honest from the dishonest. Choose a professional that has been established for some time or recommended by a social service agency, friend, or court clerk. Select one that charges reasonable fees.
Many independent paralegals provide competent and honest services and charge far less than lawyers.
They may not legally represent people in court. They cannot select appropriate forms for their customers. They can help with routine legal tasks such as typing and filing the paperwork for uncontested divorces, bankruptcies, and wills. They can recommend self-help books. They can provide assistance in filling out legal forms since they are familiar with the forms and the rules for filing them.