New program aims to help residents navigate court system
Launching in four U.P. counties
Trending
UPPER PENINSULA -- A new community program aiming to assist the public in navigating the legal system is coming to Alger, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties.
The Luce County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday the 11th Circuit Court -- which serves all four counties -- will be launching the new Community Navigator Program, which is intended to increase understanding and accessibility to the legal system throughout the region.
"Navigating court processes without a lawyer can be overwhelming," said the Luce County Sheriff's Office. "This innovative, grant-funded initiative is specifically designed to help self-represented community members locate forms, understand legal processes and connect with essential legal and local resources."
The public can expect self-help kiosks and direct support through staff-assisted tools that guide a user through procedural requirements.
Alger/Schoolcraft County Probate Court Judge Charles Nebel said the new program is crucial to expanding public access and understanding in the legal system.
“We live in a legal desert," Nebel said. "As a court, it is our duty to guarantee access to justice for all, and the Navigator Program will play a crucial role in achieving this.”
The Luce County Sheriff's Office also thanked 11th Circuit Court Judge Brian D. Rahilly "for his leadership and vision in securing the grant funding across our circuit," as well as Mackinac County 92nd District Court Chief Judge Gibson for her continued support of accessible justice.
Updates about the program, along with the date for an open house demonstrating how to use the kiosks, are expected to be posted on the Luce County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.