Sample Models / Legal Self-Help
Below are model collaborations with legal self-help clinics.
Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County
The Family Court Self Help Project was initiated in 1994 through a coalition of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the Dade County Bar's Legal Aid Society to increase access to the court for the many pro se parties involved in family court. The project provides packets containing all forms necessary for divorce and other family court matters, for a fee.
Litigants receive help with their packets, forms are reviewed for completeness, and instructions on court procedures are provided.
A Child Support, Paternity, Custody, and Visitation Packet is available.
Program staff also will share information about other family court programs which the litigant, spouse (husband or wife) and/or children may be required to attend, such as family mediation and parenting courses. If the family is in need of social services, staff can refer them to appropriate programs in Miami-Dade County.
Most Family Court Self Help Project staff are fluent in Spanish.
Lake County (Illinois) Center for Self-Representation
This Center for Self-Representation (CSR) Web site offers information and public resources, with a special focus on people representing themselves in court (pro se litigants). Its Web site has bilingual resources in Spanish and English, and covers three areas related to child support:
The Referral List is a list of mental health professionals or Attorney-Mediators who have completed the training and qualifications and have been approved by the chief judge.
Minnesota Judicial Branch, Hennepin County
This court offers these online resources for those who are representing themselves:
Waukesha County Family Court Self-Help Web Site
This Web site offers family court information and public resources, with a special focus on people representing themselves.
Resources and assistance are available in family court matters including divorce and child support, placement, and custody. Services include the following:
In this county, a clinic operates in the County Administrative Building and has one full-time staff member who can help people complete family court forms. The clinic also has several computers on which people may look up forms.
Wisconsin Court System Self-Help Family Web Site
This Web site is designed to guide citizens through the process of obtaining a pro se divorce or legal separation action. It includes some information on child support.