Many of our citizens cannot afford an attorney or simply choose to represent themselves. The Court is intent on providing access to the court for all citizens, and this page will include links to resources that may be of assistance to you.
Criminal litigants who qualify will be appointed an attorney to represent them at their first court appearance if they cannot afford an attorney. In a few limited areas of civil cases the court may appoint an attorney, however the types of cases are very limited.
Some Useful Links:
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- Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid (Cwlap.org)
- If you qualify for their services (Generally based on income limitations), there are two legal aid programs in the county. The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Legal Aid Program (CWLAP) is maintained by the local Bar Association and provides referrals and forms assistance and can help arrange for a volunteer attorney in some cases. CWLAP can be reached at 1-360-425-2579. Northwest Justice Project (NJP)also maintains a local office to assist low income individuals. Both programs require you to be pre-qualified for their services which may be done online at the Northwest Justice Project's website or by calling the CLEAR hotline at 1-888-201-1014.
- Free Software for creating or modifying Legal Forms
The Court does not recommend or endorse any software products. Links to free software are provided without any warranty and only to assist litigants.
Helpful Web Links
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Cowlitz County Website
The main County Website
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Cowlitz Superior Court Clerk
The Clerk for the Superior Court.
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Cowlitz Superior Court Local Rules
Specific rules needed for Cowlitz County Superior Court
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Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid Program
Legal assistance for low income individuals. Run by the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County Bar Association.
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Ethnic Support Council
An organization in Cowlitz County that assists Non-English speaking individuals communicate with court and other systems.
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Northwest Justice Project
Legal Assistance for Low Income Individuals.
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Online Child Support Calculator
Operated by DSHS - this site allows you to use your information and create court approved child support worksheets.
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Quick Support Estimator
Provided by DSHS this page allows you to estimate child support based on limited income information.
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State Court's Self-Help Resource Page
Internet resources provided by the Washington State Administrator for the State Courts
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State of Washington Courts
Public Website for the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) in Olympia.
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Superior Court Rules
Link to page with all of the Superior Court Rules as well as links on that page for all Local Court Rules.
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Washington Administrative Code
Link to the Washington Admiinistrative Code
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Washington Law Help
Washington LawHelp is a guide to free civil legal services for low-income persons and seniors in Washington.
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Washington Online Legal Forms
Legal forms you can fill out on your computer.
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Washington State Bar Association
All lawyers practicing in Washington courts must be a member of this organization.
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Washington State Court Rules
Statewide Court Rules applicable to all courts in Washington State.
Some additional resources for download:
DISCLAIMER: The following are documents provided by other organizations and we provide them as a service without any endorsement of their specific application to Washington State Law.
| 10 steps for Presenting Evidence in your Case 1838 Downloads | 592.23 KB | |
| 10 Ways to find Help with Your Case 1732 Downloads | 504.74 KB | |
| Family Law Trial Readiness Checklist 491 Downloads | 425.6 KB | |
| Legal Protection from Domestic Violence, Harassment, or Abuse Brochure 235 Downloads | 36 KB | |
| How to Present Audio-Visual evidence on the Protection Order Docket 134 Downloads | 397.31 KB |
We will be adding more resources to this page so keep checking back.
