Florida court help and lawyer referral are different doors

Start with the paper in your hand. Write down the court, county, case type, case number, and next due date. Those facts help point you to the right kind of help.

Florida court self-help staff can give you forms and explain court steps. They cannot act as your lawyer or give legal advice. Legal aid is a separate path. Each program may screen for income, case type, service area, and room on its current caseload.

The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects people with private lawyers. It is not a free legal aid program. A regular referral includes a meeting of up to 30 minutes for no more than $25. Any later work has its own fee. In some areas, a local bar group handles the referral instead.

Calling self-help, legal aid, or a referral line does not extend a court due date. When time is short, say the exact date first. Bring the notice, order, petition, or other paper that set it. The right door matters, but the court clock keeps running while you seek help.