WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) --     Westbrook leads the way in Southwest Minnesota by reaching out to provide free legal advice, through a self-help clinic available at the Westbrook Public Library. The library is providing space for this legal clinic and self-help center. The self-help clinic currently has multiple publications on various topics including cyber bulling, debt collection, Medicare and Social Security scams, Veteran's and Service Member information, dealing with unwanted telemarketing calls, mortgage foreclosure and various other topics. Publications are free to take and are available during library hours. You can also use the library's internet to access the Self Help Center online at www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp which provides access to various court forms, videos and tutorials, and basic information on a wide array of topics. Assistance from the State Self Help Center is also available to help pick correct forms, provide assistance in filling out those forms, and reviewing them for completeness. The State Self Help Center also provides phone assistance Monday - Friday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m. at 651-259-3888.



    Additionally, every second Thursday of the month from 2:30 to 4:30 at the Westbrook Public Library there is a volunteer attorney and additional staff available to provide help in filling out forms, as well as providing basic free legal advice, and informational referrals. Legal advice is not limited to any specific area but may include such things as divorce, debt collection, foreclosure, estate issues, criminal matters, senior rights, conciliation court, forfeiture matters, and implied consent matters.  This service is not based on income and is available to all members of the public. Appointments are recommended and can be made at the Westbrook Public Library on the sign-up sheet located with the librarian or by calling 507-822-5725. Walks in will be accommodated as time allows. Time slots are being blocked off in half hour increments. Currently this is the first of its kind self-help and legal advice clinic in the fifteen counties that comprise the Fifth Judicial District located in Southwestern Minnesota.