CASPER, Wyo. — Entering the Townsend Justice Center in Natrona County can be intimidating. Security protocols require visitors to relinquish electronic devices and pass through metal detectors before navigating the corridors toward the courtroom. However, just steps from the hustle of court proceedings, the Natrona County Court Navigator Pilot Project offers a beacon of support for those brave enough to tackle legal battles on their own in civil matters such as divorces or custody disputes.
This pilot program, operating from a small, modest office, embodies the judiciary’s response to the growing trend of self-represented litigants across the nation. Victor Payne, a court services counsel, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting the increase in individuals navigating the legal system without representation. “It’s a phenomenon not just here but nationally, and our efforts could be a model to help mitigate common challenges,” Payne explained.
The “pro se” litigants, as they are known, often face administrative hurdles and procedural confusion that can prolong their cases unnecessarily. To address this, the program deploys volunteer navigators to guide these individuals through the labyrinth of legal documentation and court decorum. These navigators provide crucial legal information — not advice — simplifying processes that can overwhelm even the most determined individuals.
The range of assistance covers a variety of civil cases that typically do not qualify for public defenders, including filing for divorce, requesting protection orders, resolving child custody and support issues, and addressing unlawful eviction matters. For many, such as Amanda Nelson, a volunteer with the program and a paralegal program director at Casper College, the role is a chance to demystify the legal process for non-lawyers. “Having worked in law, I understand the stress it can create. Being here to assist fills a significant need,” Nelson shared.
The inspiration for offering such a service stems partly from local academic and political support. Casper College’s involvement was crucial in establishing Natrona County as the pilot location, facilitated by strong endorsements from influential figures such as Senator Bill Landen and Representative Art Washut, key members of the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee.
The pilot project, which launched in May, also benefits from national insights, receiving guidance and financial aid through a grant from the National Center for State Courts. This initiative is part of a larger shift within the state’s judiciary system, which is taking on new responsibilities, like overseeing treatment courts.
Currently, the service is available to residents of Natrona County with plans to extend it virtually to other regions. As part of its evaluation process, the program is implementing measures such as checkboxes on legal forms to track interactions with navigators, aiming to gather data on its effectiveness.
Despite the challenges of measuring success due to the high volume of cases, some local judges, like 7th District Court Judge Kerri M. Johnson, have observed firsthand the positive impact of the navigators. Johnson noted that proceedings can stall when litigants are unprepared or unaware of necessary legal steps, often requiring extensive communication to address deficiencies.
As the pilot aims to establish a template for statewide implementation, those involved see this as an opportunity to substantially improve the legal process for self-represented litigants. “Our main goal is to streamline access to justice, reducing frustrations for everyone involved,” Johnson added, reflecting on the collective effort to support these community initiatives.
For residents interested in utilizing these services, the pilot program offers both in-person meetings at their Casper office and virtual consultations, further enhancing accessibility for those in need. With its continued expansion and evaluation, this small-scale project has the potential to set a precedent for nationwide legal assistance programs, ensuring that self-representation does not equate to a lack of guidance.