Lee Clerk customers can now get their Official Records certified from the convenience of their home computer. The new service produces electronically certified documents, such as affidavits, deeds and marriage licenses.

The e-certified documents help combat fraud by producing secure, encrypted PDF documents emailed to the customer. It is safer to accept than a stamped document and can be reused as many times as needed, unlike the stamped paper certifications.

Customers can purchase the non-refundable records for $8 each at www.leeclerk.org/ecertify. Each e-certified document may take up to five minutes to produce before being emailed. The records are available to download for up to 30 days after the purchase is made. Prior to purchasing an e-certified record, verify with the receiving agency that it will be accepted.

Customers can still get certified records with the wet seal by visiting the Clerk’s Recording Department on the second floor of the County Administration Building, at 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers.

The Lee Clerk’s office also has e-certified court records available for purchase through the Court Records Inquiry at matrix.leeclerk.org. For more informations, visit www.leeclerk.org/ecertify.

In addition, the office recently began providing assistance completing select court forms.

The new service helps customers representing themselves in court properly complete forms and better understand the process to avoid delays in resolving disputes. It is offered for limited civil and family cases, including evictions, domestic violence, small claims, adult name changes, and sealing criminal records.

Customers can access the Court Form Preparation Services at The Honorable Linda Doggett Self-Help Center on the first floor of the Justice Center in Fort Myers. Appointments are not required but can be scheduled at www.leeclerk.org/appointment. For hours and directions, visit www.leeclerk.org.

If customers require legal assistance, they can schedule a free 20-minute virtual legal consultation with an attorney at www.leeclerk.org/appointment. The service is provided in partnership with the Legal Aid Society and appointments are scheduled on Tuesdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The attorneys and clerk staff cannot complete forms for customers or represent them in court.

For more information about Court Form Preparation Services, visit www.leeclerk.org/selfhelp or contact 239-533-2978 justicenavigator@leeclerk.org.