Responding to the needs of
those who come to court without an attorney, Register of Probate
Richard Iannella officially opened the self-help center
in November, 2000. It is the first center of its kind
in Massachusetts.
Originally
named for Isaac Addington - the first Register of Probate for
Suffolk County in 1692, the center was recently rededicated in
memory of Robert L. Kavin, a Registry employee who was a popular
advocate for unrepresented litigants. Kavin was the brainchild
behind the self-help center and authored many of the materials
available there.
An
average of more than 20 people each day - nearly 6,000 a year - make
use of the information, materials and other resources available
at the Center, located in the Registry offices at 24
New Chardon Street, Boston.
The
Center is staffed daily from 9AM-4:30PM. Assistance is provided on
a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible
Registry clients may also visit the volunteer "Lawyer for
the Day" for formal legal advice and assistance with
required court paperwork.
