Clarification: Public Access to Forms Is NOT Legal Advice

Another topic discussed during the debate involved whether Clerk offices can provide public access to forms and informational materials.

My opponent suggested that doing so could amount to giving legal advice. I respectfully disagree, because there is an important legal and practical distinction.

What Clerk Offices Already Do Across Colorado

Clerk offices across Colorado routinely provide:

• Public forms

• Checklists

• Fee schedules

• Procedural instructions

• Informational handouts

These materials help citizens navigate government processes and access public services more easily.

Examples can include:

• Marriage license information

• Recording document requirements

• Vital records procedures

• Motor vehicle forms

• Election information

• Affidavit and permit forms made publicly available by government agencies

Providing access to public information is not the same as giving legal advice.

Where the Line Is Drawn

The line is crossed only when staff begin advising someone:

• what legal strategy they should use,

• which legal document they should choose for their personal situation,

• or how to handle a legal dispute.

That is not the role of the Clerk’s office, nor should it be.

My Goal as Clerk

My goal is simple:

• Make government information easier to access

• Improve transparency and customer service

• Help citizens navigate processes more efficiently

• Maintain the proper legal limits of the office

Government should be accessible, professional, transparent, and helpful while still respecting the law and the boundaries of the office.

I believe citizens deserve factual information, clear communication, and a Clerk’s office that works with the public — not against them.

For more information and campaign updates, please visit Shull for Clerk.