Description

The Self Help Center/Family Law Facilitator can’t be your attorney, but they can help with paperwork and process for family law issues, small claims court, and other issues.

Ways to Contact

In-person services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-12pm at 400 County Center, 6th Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. Sign-ups begin at 8:00am on the 6th floor. Contact the Self-Help Center via Livechat before going in person. Arrive early as signups are on a first-come, first-serve basis. No one will be admitted other than the customer, so please do not bring friends, family, or children.

Livechat hours Monday and Tuesday from 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm; Wednesday-Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm. Visit this page and click on the blue box at the bottom.

If you need a restraining order against your partner, contact the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic at 650.358.0745.

https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/self-help

Process

Even though the wait can be long, there are a mix of attorneys, paralegals, and other court volunteers to either help you immediately, or to schedule a follow-up appointment and/or a workshop.

Notes

Collect key information in advance if possible: case numbers, names of key people, court dates and deadlines, documents related to the issue, and any questions you have.