What Resources are Available to the General Public in San Diego for Paternity, Legal Separation or Divorce Cases in 2013?

There are many resources in San Diego for spouses and parents going through a family law case which involves a legal separation, divorce or paternity case. As this area of the law is very complex and can be confusing, it is important to consult resources which can help. Below is a list of some of the resources for you to consider and, of course, there are many others. Whether you are married or not married or a parent or a spouse or your case involves children or not, it is important to know what resources may be available.

This is a County Office and there is no charge to use this service. The Facilitator can assist in filling out forms and other family law requirements. There are Facilitator offices in the main family law court house on 6th Avenue, El Cajon court house on East Main, Vista court house on Melrose and Chula Vista court house on H Street. Due to the large volume often seen at the Facilitators offices, county wide, it is advisable to go very early. There is also information on the Facilitators offices, including recorded information, which can be obtained from the official San Diego Superior Court website which is discussed in more detail below.

The official Superior Court web for San Diego Superior Courts is an excellent resource. As it is on the internet, you can get information 7 days a week and 24 hours a day and there is no charge to use the website. For family law, there is a section on the website which has many of the forms needed and you can print out and use. In addition, the website has the addressed and locations for all of the family law courts and self help services. There are sections, for example, for custody and visitation and divorce and paternity among many others.

The main San Diego Law Library is on Front Street downtown. It is newly remodeled and renovated. The Law Library has many self help books but also has other material and resources which can be invaluable. You can find the California Family Law Code as well as many other publications which are very useful for self education for family law. Entrance and use of the materials at the Law Library are free and there are copy machines available for a fee and also WIFI for internet connections. Make sure to check hours before going so you do not waste a trip. There are meters and parking lots near the Law Library.

As with gathering of all information, self education and as a resource, the internet is an excellent tool to obtain information. As with the three other resources above, there is no charge for searching on the internet. Most agree Google is the preeminent search engine. Using key search terms can yield information on family law which can be invaluable. As with all information on the internet, it is crucial to verify. For example, when searching for child custody attorneys on google, make sure their license is valid.

Of course, nothing replaces an experienced San Diego family law attorney as a resource. An attorney who practices in San Diego can give specific information about local rules, procedures, the law as well as their experience before the Judge your case is assigned to. Consulting with an experienced San Diego family law attorney may well be the best resource to start with of any of the above.

The San Diego Family Law Firm of Doppelt and Forney, APLC represents parents and spouses in family law court in San Diego. An attorney from the firm will provide a confidential and complimentary virtual consultation on your specific case with your specific issues. Feel free to schedule your appointment with one of their experienced family law attorneys.