Benton Public Library

The Franklin County Legal Self-Help Center provides legal information to Franklin County residents about their legal rights and responsibilities, instructions on how to handle common legal problems, assistance with some legal documents and forms, and referrals to free and low-cost legal services.

The Legal Self-Help Center does not provide legal advice to its patrons. Instead, it offers legal information to customers on such topics as instructions for available forms, answers to general legal questions, and information on court procedures.

Address

502 South Main St.
Benton, IL 62812
United States

Hours of operation
Currently: open
Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Amenities:

This center offers

Computers & Internet
WiFi
Online court forms
Online legal info
Online referrals to legal help
Website navigator
Printers

Notes

  • Printing: free
  • Website navigator: Hours vary
This center does not provide:
  • Paper court forms
  • Printed legal info
  • Referrals to legal aid
  • Court navigator
  • Scanners
  • "Lawyer in the library" program

Common legal issues

Order of Protection basics
Explains who is eligible to ask for an Order of Protection. Also includes what they can ask a judge to include in it. This is also called a "restraining order."
Getting a divorce
Explains the divorce process, including the difference between contested and uncontested divorce. Also describes how you qualify and what you can expect during the process.
Criminal record expungement or sealing request
A program to help you complete the forms to ask a court to expunge or seal your adult criminal record.
Suing someone for $10,000 or less
Lists items that a person can and cannot sue for in small claims court.
Being sued for $10,000 or less
Explains how to respond to a small claims case if you are the one being sued.