What Resources do I have if I am Self-Represented in my San Diego Family Law Case?

Most spouses or parents in a legal separation, divorce or paternity case are not represented by a lawyer or attorney statistically in San Diego Superior Court. This is a change from the past when most parents or spouses were represented by lawyers or attorneys. Given the current high percentage of self represented litigants, what resources are available in San Diego to assist pro per parties? There are many resources and only a few are listed below.

The official San Diego Superior Court Website can be located at www.sdcourt.ca.gov and has many different family law resources. Included on the website are categories for divorce & paternity, custody & visitation, child support and domestic violence restraining orders. There are also sections for self help services, frequently asked questions, family law forms, the court calendar, the court locations, fee information, family law rules, legal information and appeals. There are also instructions for filing a case. This website has answers to many questions from self represented persons and is an invaluable resource.

The Family Law Facilitator is a San Diego County department which helps self represented spouses and parents fill out judicial council forms and gives advice on which forms to fill out and procedures for divorce, paternity and legal separation cases in San Diego. There are Family Law Facilitator Offices in the court house on Sixth Avenue in downtown San Diego as well as the branches in Chula Vista, Vista and El Cajon. Information about the Family Law Facilitator’s Offices in San Diego can be obtained from the San Diego Superior Court website as well as by going in person to the court house.

There are four law libraries in San Diego and the official San Diego Law Library website can be found at www.sandiegolawlibrary.org and has very useful information including self help books. Family law can be very confusing and it is important, if you are representing yourself, to understand the law so that you can protect your rights and try and obtain your legal goals. As with the Family Law Facilitator, make sure the look at the website to make sure of the hours and dates so you do not waste a trip.

There are many websites on the internet with very useful articles both written by attorneys and some which are not written by attorneys. A google search will yield thousands of results for search terms which include “family law articles san diego attorney” and you can self educate. One website, which has over 200 articles on family law, is Doppelt and Forney, APLC and their official website can be found at www.sandiegodivorcelawyerhelp.com as well as their blog which is www.sandiegodivorcelawyerblog.com and there are many other sites as well.

Our law firm would be pleased to offer you a complimentary and confidential consultation for your divorce, legal separation or paternity case if you need to hire an attorney. Please contact our office to schedule your consultation in which specific strategies and techniques will be discussed to protect rights and obtain goals.