Self-Help Center
Notice: Children are NOT permitted inside the Self Help Center
The Self-Help center staff assists individuals who do not have an attorney.
The staff can assist telephonically, by email, or in-person with completion of legal forms but cannot offer legal advice or represent you in court.
Self-Help staff will guide and assist with the following case types:
- Annulment
- Divorce
- Legal Separation
- Domestic Violence
- Establish Paternity
- Modify Child Custody and Visitation Orders
- Modify Child and Spousal Support Orders
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
- Stepparent Adoptions
- Guardianships (Person only)
- Elder Abuse
- Name Changes
- Limited Civil Answers Only
Visiting the Self-Help Center
To better assist you, please bring the following documents when needing assistance with:
Divorce
- A list of assets with current value and if any amount is still owed.
- A list of debts with the amount owned.
- Last two months of paystubs or proof of income.
Child Support or Spousal Support
- Last two months of paystubs or proof of income
Online Resources
In partnership with the California Judicial Council and Law Help Interactive, self-represented litigants can use the guided questionnaires to complete forms related to several case types. A self-represented litigant can work on their court forms online 24/7, from any location that has access to the internet, using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or cell phone.
Each of the questionnaires focus on completing the paperwork for either starting a new case, responding to a case filed against you, or preparing necessary forms for a case that has already started. We strongly recommend you create a free online account as part of completing your paperwork. This allows you to save your progress and to ensure you do not lose any work you started.
You may visit the Self-Help Center or contact the Self-Help Center staff by email or telephone if you have any questions before, during, or after you have completed your paperwork.