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Family Law Division New Home Page
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FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR/SELF-HELP CENTER
WHAT IS THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR/SELF-HELP CENTER? The office provides free legal assistance on a number of issues and is available to help both parties to a case. The office is staffed with attorneys and legal assistants. Staff can help you prepare your own forms and can give you general information about your case, the court process, and the law. The office does not represent any individual and no staff member can accompany you to court. There is no attorney-client relationship between you and any staff member. Communications between you and staff members is NOT confidential. You should obtain your own attorney if you want personalized advice or strategy, to have a confidential conversation, or to be represented by an attorney at court. The office is not responsible for the outcome of your case.
IN WHAT KIND OF AREAS CAN THIS OFFICE HELP ME? The office assists people with the following case types:
• establishing/modifying child support
• establishing/modifying spousal support
• establishing paternity
• cases involving the Department of Child Support Services
• divorce, legal separation
• child custody/visitation
• establishing parentage
• parental rights termination/adoption
• name change
• domestic violence, in some limited circumstances
• civil harassment, in some limited circumstances
• some additional civil matters
If you need help with a matter not specifically listed here, ask us. Staff might be able to provide some limited help or refer you to someone or an organization that can help you.
WHEN CAN I BE SEEN AT THE OFFICE? Services are provided on an appointment system. You can come in to the office at 223J anytime between 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to spend about 5 to 10 minutes with a legal assistant to provide her with basic information regarding your case, to receive an orientation of services, and to obtain documents necessary to prepare you for your appointment.
• Appointments are available Monday – Friday all day.
• Some limited appointments are available Monday and Thursday evenings.
• There is some limited ability to provide same-day assistance for matters that require immediate attention.
• You can also call in to (707) 521-6545 to schedule an appointment; however, it is advisable to come in personally to schedule an appointment. Please be aware that you will be able to obtain an earlier appointment if you come in the office in person. It may take 48 hours before your call is returned. You will still need to come in prior to your scheduled appointment so that the legal assistant can provide you with the documents necessary to prepare you for your appointment. (Documents will be mailed to you if you reside outside of Sonoma County, or if you have health-related or transportation issues.)
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES IN CHART FORM (english)
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES IN CHART FORM (spanish)
FACILITATOR FORMS
Appointment sheet
Support checklist
Sample Profit & Loss Statement
Support sample declaration
Custody sample declaration
Restraining order checklist and sample declaration
Divorce/legal separation checklist
Answer checklist
Parentage checklist
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