My husband was recently given a flyer by his employer detailing a new service that the Florida Bar has approved and put into service. It is called Florida Call -A-Law. It is backed by the American Bar Association and funded in part by the American Bar also.
The service offers a collection of recorded messages, which provides information on a wide selection of legal topics. While the topics are basic the service is offered free to anyone wishing to use it.
Any person wishing to use the service simply calls 1-850-561-1200. A recorded message then provides a variety of legal topics, and a four digit number code for each topic. You then enter the four digit number on the touch tone phone. They do not offer a toll free number, but advice those wishing to use the service, to call during cheap rate times, or to call on their cell phones during free evening and weekend hours. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each tape is only two to three minutes in length, but answers many of the basic questions on the legal topic that a caller might have.
For anyone wishing to check the service out on the internet, a written script of each four coded topic is included on their web site which is www.flabar.org. The internet user would check under the consumer services tab to find the Call – A – Law scripts.
For any one wishing to use the service that does not have a flyer with all the codes listed, you can either contact the Florida Bar Association and they will be happy to mail you a copy, or you can run off a copy of the codes from the previously mentioned web site.
I checked out the service myself, as our son is having some questions about custody of his child, as the Mother has moved out of state without the courts permission. The local courts and attorneys would not answer any basic simple question he had. WE assumed it was because they want their consultation fee. The Call – A- Law service answered his questions. Not only was his question answered, but they offered a number where he could contact an attorney who might help him. The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service number is 1-800-561-1200. When he called the number, they were able to give him the number of several family law attorneys.
Some of the major legal topics and their four digit codes follow:
– DUI in Florida (1043)
– Small Claims Procedures (1101)
– Bankruptcy (1221)
– Sexual Harassment (1261)
– Child Custody (1065)
These should give you a chance to check the service out. If you live in Florida, this is an excellent service that might answer your basic legal questions. IF you live outside of Florida, you might check with your states’ Bar Association to see if a similar service is offered.
There is a disclaimer stating that the service can not replace the advice of an attorney. They also state that laws are constantly changing, so be aware that some of the information might not be updated as quickly as laws are changed. They also advise to use the service as a first step in the legal process.
Not only can the Call – A – Law service answer your basic legal questions, but the service can arm you with the information you need once you have contacted an attorney. The more informed you are, the better able the attorney is to assist you.
If you live in the state of Florida, you should give the service a try. I did and I highly recommend it.
Reference:
- Flyer
