Divorce for some may be the only solution, and having a helping hand in the process can make a difference.

Legal Aid of North Carolina will have a “Do-It-Yourself Divorce Clinic” on Aug. 25 at 12:30 p.m. at the Richmond County Courthouse in Courtroom F. In 2008 there were 277 marriages and 188 divorces and annulments in Richmond County.

For a simple divorce help, an individual must: Be separated from his or her spouse for at least one year, have no marital property of assets to divide, no custody issues and be financially eligible for LANC services.

“If the individuals can’t meet the requirements for LANC services, then we will assist them in locating an attorney at a low cost or even pro-bono,” said Dock Kornegay, director of public relations for LANC.

During the one-hour presentation, participants will receive a packet of instructions on how to handle a simple divorce and a copy of the necessary forms so that participants can represent themselves.

“Legal Aid has very little financial support right now, and the available resources aren’t there for some things,” said Ric Buckner of Sharpe and Buckner Attorney’s at Law in Rockingham. “This is why they have put a lot of effort in education.”

Buckner will be the presenter for the clinic.

“I talk them through the process,” he said.

After the forms and packet are filled out, the person filing for divorce needs to be taken to the clerk of court in the county that he or she filing resides in. The next step is taking a copy of the paperwork to the sheriff’s office so that the other spouse can be served.

“The time frame of this step depends on how long it takes the sheriff’s office to find the person that needs to be served,” Buckner said.

Once the spouse is served with the papers, he or she has a 30 days to oppose the divorce. If the spouse does not object then after the 30 days the case goes on the docket for the next court proceedings.

“The most frequently asked question is why do you have to wait a year?,” Buckner said. “One, because the legislature has made it so; and also, it is to see if the couple will resolve their differences and reconcile.”

This clinic is designed to familiarize the individual with what will happen in the court proceedings.

“I hope in the clinic everyone will get the most bang for their buck and we can help the most people,” Buckner said.

To attend the clinic, individuals must call (919) 542-0475 to reserve a space.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com