LEXINGTON, Ky., March 2, 2026 – The Fayette County Legal Help Center is marking four years of service to self-represented litigants, with thousands of Kentuckians receiving free help navigating civil legal matters without an attorney.
Since opening in March 2022, more than 4,200 patrons have sought legal information, help completing court forms and assistance with cases pending in court. During that time, more than 1,350 patrons filed civil cases without an attorney and about 90 percent of those cases have reached a final disposition.
“Nearly four years ago when we celebrated the grand opening of the Fayette County Legal Help Center, I predicted that this innovative center would be a game changer here in the commonwealth,” said Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller, chair of the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission. “It has in fact exceeded my expectations!
“Glenda Harrison, Nan Hanley and Sylvia Lovely of the Access to Justice Commission have worked diligently alongside our justice partners to directly embody the meaning of justice for all. Together, we have succeeded in providing greater access to the courts for our citizens while simultaneously streamlining some of the processes for judges and clerks. This is good government at its best.”
Harrison is the KAJC’s executive director, Hanley is associate director and Lovely serves as special projects coordinator for the center.
The program was launched through a partnership between the KAJC, Fayette County judges and circuit court clerk, Fayette County Law Library trustees, the Administrative Office of the Courts and civil legal aid partners. At its inception, donated equipment helped support services offered to the public.
“The Legal Help Center has been a tremendous help to our community and the court,” Fayette County Family Court Judge Ross Ewing said. “For many people who cannot afford an attorney, just getting before the right judge, at the right time, in the right case can be daunting. The center helps people navigate this process so that they and the court can address the substance of their cases. The dedicated staff and volunteers make it easier for people from all walks of life to access and navigate the legal system. We are deeply grateful to the center’s staff, volunteers and supporters.”
Fayette County Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr said the center provides an invaluable service to the people of Fayette County.
It facilitates access to the court system for hundreds of people that need relief from the court system but are unable to afford representation,” she said. “Citizens are often not able to exercise their rights or resolve conflicts simply because they do not know the correct paperwork or procedure to get in front of the judge. The Legal Help Center fills these gaps and makes difficult family matters a little bit more manageable. I’m so thankful to have them in our county.”
Services are delivered by a combination of volunteer attorneys, law students and court-related staff. Since opening, more than 40 attorneys from Fayette County and surrounding counties have volunteered at the site, along with more than 10 law students.
“The Legal Help Center is a great resource,” said volunteer attorney Philip “Phil” Fairbanks, a partner at Mehr & Fairbanks in Lexington, who has volunteered since the center opened. “Each time I volunteer, I see how much the members of the community need a service like this. Volunteers help people access and participate in the court system when they otherwise would not be able to, either due to lack of resources or simply not having enough information about the process.
“We help guide individuals through self-service questionnaires for things like divorce filings, name changes and expungements. We explain how to complete and file forms with the court. Sometimes we just answer questions and talk with individuals face-to-face and that helps let them know they aren’t excluded from the court system if they need it. The best part is seeing people leave the help center knowing they’ve been able to complete paperwork they can take and file. The help center can be busy, but the patrons are patient and appreciative of the help we provide. We have a great group of volunteers, with law students, interpreters, and practicing and retired lawyers all lending a hand.”
The center is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. EST on Thursdays in the law library at the Robert F. Stephens Circuit Courthouse, Room CB02A, located at 120 N. Limestone in Lexington. More information about the center is available at https://kcoj.info/FayetteLHC.
The Fayette County center was the first legal help center established in Kentucky. From 2022 to 2024, the KAJC worked with justice system partners to open similar centers in Jefferson and Kenton counties.
About the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission
The KAJC was established in 2010 by Supreme Court order to make access to justice a priority for the Judicial Branch.
Over the past decade, the commission has worked to increase access to the courts and legal representation for people of low and moderate income through partnerships with civil legal aid programs, the judiciary, the Kentucky Bar Association, the private bar, law schools and community organizations.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The Administrative Office of the Courts is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget. More information is available at https://kcoj.info/AOC.
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