Dakota County Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2025 - Legal matters

Law Library helps residents through complex court issues

Dealing with a legal matter can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a divorce, a civil lawsuit or a landlord-tenant issue, the anxiety of not knowing how the court system works combined with complex legal language can leave a person feeling lost.

If you can’t afford an attorney but don’t qualify for legal assistance, the Dakota County Law Library is here to help with any topic. The library’s three full-time staff can’t provide legal advice, but they can get you started. They can find and help complete legal forms, explain processes or language, or direct you to free legal services.

In 2023, the Law Library helped about 7,000 residents. Of those, about 74 percent involved family law. This includes topics like divorce, child custody and visitation, and child support.

When people need legal advice for family law, the Law Library partners with nonprofits like Legal Assistance of Dakota County. They provide free 30-minute phone calls with volunteer attorneys. In 2023, the Law Library directed 682 people to this service.

In addition, the Law Library helps residents with criminal cases, housing and real estate, and orders for protection.

They also provide continuing legal education for attorneys. Every attorney in the state needs to complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years. The Law Library offers a onehour course every month, so attorneys can complete this requirement at no cost. In 2023, there were 812 attendees for 11 courses.

Law Library services aren’t funded through property taxes. Instead, the library’s budget comes from residents who use the court system. A $15 fee is added for things like speeding tickets, divorce filings or court fees for those convicted of a crime. Minnesota’s law library system is one of the most robust in the nation.

The Law Library has two locations to serve you — the Judicial Center in Hastings and the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley. The Judicial Center location is open 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday. Resources are available at the Galaxie Library during all business hours, but staff is available 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday. You can also call 651-438-8080 or email lawlibrarymain@co.dakota.mn.us.

Served about 7,000 residents in 2023 –74 percent dealing with family law

Partnered with Legal Assistance of Dakota County to offer 682 free 30-minute consultations

Hosted 812 attendees for Continuing Legal Education courses in 2023