The Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation has collaborated with local trial judges, attorneys, and court staff to pilot a court-based Self-Help Center in Douglas County (Omaha, Nebraska). The first of its kind in Nebraska, this self-help center is located in the courthouse and provides on-site access to computers, printers, and legal resources during regular courthouse hours. The self-help center is supported by trained court staff who assist self-represented litigants (SRLs) by explaining court rules and procedures, providing public information about case dockets and calendars, and directing patrons to available court forms and legal information. Preliminary survey data captured from patrons using the Douglas County Self-Help Center is positive, with 84% responding that they received the help they needed. The most frequent requests involve assistance with court forms, explaining court processes, and printing documents.

A key component of this project involved identifying the civil case types with consistently high numbers of SRLs, and developing case packets that include step-by-step instructions, plain language court forms, and basic guidelines on how to present evidence and testimony in court. These case packets will be available in both English and Spanish and will be housed on the Nebraska Supreme Court’s public website where they can be accessed by court users and court staff statewide. Translation of the case packets is provided by court interpreter partners using a scaffolded process developed by the Director of Language Access that has the potential to positively impact courtrooms statewide. 

“The law promises ‘equal justice’ in the courts. However, many self-represented litigants feel frustrated with the legal process because they are unaware of all the legal practices and procedures required. The self-help center is designed to provide guidance and education to those who represent themselves as they navigate legal filings, court appearances, and presenting evidence. Both litigants and the courts benefit when the process is understood, and expectations are met.“

-Judge Stephanie Hansen, County Court, Douglas County

“We’re using translation projects as a strategic tool for skill building—giving interpreters the opportunity to deepen their vocabulary, refine their writing, and engage critically with legal concepts in both languages. It’s a meaningful form of professional development that strengthens their work in the courtroom.“

-Kathleen Valle, Director of Language Access