SHADE stands for Self Help Assistance Divorce for Everyone and is a small but effective project in Richland County that strives to make the self-help divorce process move smoothly through Family Court.  It has been determined that the Self-Help /Pro Se Divorce Packet available through the Court is overwhelming for many. Thus they arrive at their hearing with the wrong forms completed, no service on the defendant and a myriad of other issues. This results in a frustrated client, a loss of court time and overall disappointment in the judicial system

Enter SHADE where twice a month ( 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 11-1) an attorney meets with pro se clients to review their documentation, explain issues, prepare them for court and in general assure a higher degree of a successful outcome.

Enter law student volunteers! While the lawyer is talking with the client, someone needs to wrangle those awaiting help! Consent forms need to be explained and secured as well as an orderly process for handling clients. This is first-come, first-served. Once a student signs up at: https://signup.com/go/hUAsFTs a series of instructions and samples will be sent to the volunteer to review prior to their assigned day.  This is real, hands on and direct service that makes a huge difference.