Family law
What Is a Courthouse Self-Help Center and How Can It Help Me?
Quick answer
If you are handling a family law case without a lawyer, you are not on your own. Most courthouses have a free self-help center staffed by people whose job is to guide self-represented parents through the process.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated June 2026
Watch this explained
The courthouse has free help: the self-help center
What a self-help center is
A self-help center is an office, usually located inside or near the courthouse, that provides free assistance to people who are representing themselves in court. Staff there work for the court system, not for either side of a case, so the help is neutral.
These centers exist because courts know that many people in family law cases, such as divorce, custody, and child support matters, do not have attorneys. The center's purpose is to help you understand the process so your paperwork is complete and your case can move forward. Names vary by location. You might see it called a self-help center, a law help center, a family law facilitator's office, or a court resource center.
What they can do for you
Self-help center staff can explain which forms are typically used for your type of case, help you understand what the questions on a form are asking, and check whether your paperwork looks complete before you file it. They can also explain court procedures in plain language, such as how filing works, what happens at a hearing, and what steps usually come next in a case.
Many centers also point you toward other free or low-cost resources, such as legal aid organizations, fee waiver information if you cannot afford filing fees, mediation services, and workshops on common topics like custody schedules or child support. The exact services offered vary by state and by county, so it is worth calling ahead or checking the court's website to see what your local center provides.
What they cannot do
Self-help centers provide legal information, not legal advice. Staff can tell you how the process works and what your options are, but they cannot tell you what you should do, predict how a judge will rule, or argue your side. Because they are neutral, they will give the same information to the other party in your case if that person asks.
They also cannot represent you in court, negotiate for you, or fill out forms with strategy in mind the way a hired attorney would. If your case is complicated, contested, or involves safety concerns, staff will usually suggest you talk to a lawyer, and many centers can refer you to low-cost or free legal services.
How to find and use your local center
Start with your county court's website and look for terms like self-help, self-represented, or family law facilitator. You can also call the court clerk's office and ask whether there is a self-help center and how it operates. Some centers take walk-ins, some require appointments, and many now offer help by phone, video, or online chat. Availability and hours vary by state and county, so check before you go.
When you visit, bring any court papers you have received, any forms you have started, and a list of your questions. Staff can move faster when they can see exactly where you are in the process. Self-help centers pair well with online document preparation. You can prepare your forms ahead of time, then have center staff confirm everything looks complete before you file.
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.