We help people who need legal information but don't have a lawyer.  We can answer questions about your case, help you determine which forms you need and how to fill them out, and explain different legal options.   We can tell you how to do something, but we can't tell you what choice you should make.  Depending on your situation, we may refer you to a private attorney or another resource.    Our services are free of charge.

We do not give legal advice; we are not your attorney.  We can only provide information and assistance with matters in California, and sometimes only in Mono County.  If you have a case in another state, we cannot assist you with that case. 

Whether seeking assistance through the Self-Help Center or from the Family Law Facilitator, you may need assistance filling out the necessary forms for your matter.   The LawHelp Interactive program uses an interview format to ask you questions that are then populated on the correct Judicial Council form for filing in your case.  The Family Law Facilitator can review these forms and provide assistance to you.

Get started filling out your forms here.  

• CARE (Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment) 
• Debt Collections
• Divorce
• Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)
• Fee Waivers
• Gender Change
• Guardianship of a Minor
• Limited Conservatorship
• Name Change
• Parentage
• Restraining Orders:  Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment, Elder Abuse, Workplace Violence
• Small Claims
• Stepparent Adoptions

A Family Law Facilitator is an attorney appointed by the court to assist parents in resolving child support and health insurance issues that arise when parents separate.  Priority is given to those parents who cannot afford to hire an attorney for child support matters.  The Facilitator may be able to assist self-represented litigants with other family law matters through the Self-Help Center.

The Facilitator CAN:

• Explain the court process to you.
• Mediate disputes about child custody and spousal support, stepparent adoptions, guardianships, and name changes.
• Help you prepare for court.
• Refer you to the Family Support Division and other community resources.
• Answer other family law questions that you may have.
• Provide you with information on how to handle the important issues of:  
  • Child Support
  • Spousal Support
  • Paternity
  • Custody & Visitation
  • Requesting or Responding to a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

The Facilitator CANNOT:

• Represent you in court.
• Give you legal advice regarding your particular case.

For your meeting with the Facilitator, you must bring:

• A copy of any court documents relating to your case
• Income and expense information
• Your last three paycheck stubs or AFDC invoice
• A copy of your last tax return

Upon arrival, you will be asked to fill out an Intake Form.  If you need to fill out forms to proceed with your case, you may obtain these from the Facilitator.  The Facilitator has instructional material that will show you how to fill out these forms.

If you need legal advice, the Facilitator may be able to assist you in finding an attorney to help you.