The Family Law Facilitator's Office is a self-help program staffed by attorneys, paralegals and clerks that provides free legal assistance to unrepresented family law litigants
IN-PERSON ASSISTANCE
Daily from 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm (Tues 1pm - 4 pm)
In-person assistance at the Central, East County, North County and South County divisions is best for litigants who need assistance with court paperwork
REMOTE ASSISTANCE
Daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Remote assistance by return call is best for litigants who can't come to the courthouse or are interested in an information-only session with our legal staff
Guide & File
The Guide & File program conducts an easy-to-use online interview to prepare the forms you'll need
Form Finder
Use the Form Finder to narrow down which forms you'll need for your specific family law project
Form Library
View our library of forms and form collections, including links to fillable forms, samples and suggestions
Rapid Review
Request a rapid review of your prepared family law forms before you file at any of our of four court locations
WORKSHOPS
By Appointment Only
We offer scheduled workshops for litigants interested in help with 1) guardianship matters and 2) divorce or legal separation judgments by agreement.
SELF-HELP CONTENT
ARTICLES
View our library of articles on the legal concepts, evidentiary rules and procedures that govern your case
FAQs
Review our Frequently Asked Questions section to find answers to common family law questions
Links
Use our collection of San Diego County family law links to find important resources and local service providers
Judicial Council
The California Judicial Council maintains an extensive collection of information about family law issues
WORKING WITH OUR OFFICE
SELF HELP
We are a self-help provider. This means we help you help yourself. We cannot take responsibility for your case and cannot act as your lawyer. We provide basic assistance, but you will continue to be personally responsible for your case.
BE PATIENT
We typically experience a high demand for our services. This unfortunately means that you may have to encounter significant waits when seeking assistance. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
STARTING A DIVORCE OR LEGAL SEPARATION CASE
1. Get Info
Before you file, it's important to know about your legal rights and responsibilities. Start at the California Judicial Council's homepage.
2. Watch the Video
Watch our pre-recorded dissolution workshop for a overview of the forms we recommend you use to start your case
3. Draft Your Forms
We recommend using the easy-to-use Guide and File online interview system to prepare and print well drafted court documents.
4. Ask for a Review
Request a rapid review of your forms before you file at and of our courthouse locations daily from 8 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 4:30 pm