When people turn to the internet to find legal help, they can quickly become overwhelmed by the amount of information available and by uncertainty about which sources are reliable. To make it easier for users to access timely, relevant, and accurate guidance, legal services organizations and courts in some states have launched legal assistance portals.
These online resources can transform the way people interact with the civil legal system by providing them with the immediate and accurate answers and support they need. This is particularly important for the growing number of people who navigate the civil court system without a lawyer. Unlike a static website, a portal uses an interactive approach to guide users through an assessment of their legal needs and connect them to relevant information and referrals for assistance.