P.A.T.H.S. — a way to think about any situation
Five short questions to move from confusion to a next step.
P
Purpose
A
Access Needs
T
Trustworthy Information
H
Handoff
S
Steps
P
Purpose
What are you trying to accomplish?
Say it in one sentence. Example: 'I want to understand these papers and figure out my deadline.'
A
Access Needs
What could make this harder?
Think about language, disability, transportation, technology, childcare, cost, time, or safety.
T
Trustworthy Information
Where can we find reliable information?
Official court websites, court rules, statutes, and established legal-aid organizations.
H
Handoff
Who is the right person or organization to help?
Legal aid, court self-help, an attorney, a clerk, or a community organization.
S
Steps
What is the next manageable step?
One small, doable action you can take today or this week.