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Court assistance officers handled more than 17,000 service requests last year, administrator says
Summary
Imelda Lopez told the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee that Idaho’s court assistance program — established in 1998 and codified in Idaho Code § 32-1402 — has 23 officers statewide and handled 17,488 service requests last year, mainly assisting self-represented litigants in family law matters.
Imelda Lopez, Fourth District Deputy Trial Court Administrator, told the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee that Idaho’s court assistance program began in 1998 and was formally established by Idaho Code § 32-1402 in 2001. She said 23 court assistance officers operate statewide and that Ada County funds five full-time officers who together handled 17,488 service requests last year via phone, online chat, in-person visits, mail, workshops and email.
Lopez said officers provide legal information, educational materials, court forms and procedural guidance but do not give legal advice. She described partnerships with Family Court Services, a court navigator program, libraries, Idaho Legal Aid, the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program and the 2-1-1 Careline to reach residents and assist with complex family law matters such as custody, support, and minor guardianship. When asked whether Idaho’s program was more extensive than other states, Lopez said other states have similar programs but noted Idaho was an early adopter.
