Self-Help Services
If you do not have an attorney, the Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator staff and volunteers may be able to assist you with procedural information and instruction on completing forms.
Services we offer
We help people who need legal information but don't have a lawyer. We can answer questions about your case, help you figure out which forms you need and how to fill them out, and explain different legal options. Our staff don't give legal advice (we can tell you how to do something but we can't tell you what choice you should make) and we are not your attorneys. We may refer you to a private attorney or another resource depending on your situation. Our services are free of charge.
NOTE: We can only provide information and assistance with matters in California, and sometimes only in Alameda County. If you have a case in another state, we cannot assist you with that case.
Case types we can help with
- Divorce
- Parentage
- Petition for Custody and Support
- Restraining Orders: Domestic Violence; Civil Harassment; Elder Abuse; Workplace Violence (limited assistance)
- Click here for next steps after completing Temporary Restraining Order forms in Alameda County
- Haga clic aquí para conocer los próximos pasos después de completar los formularios de Orden de restricción temporal en el condado de Alameda
- Click hereto watch a video on Serving Your Civil Harassment Restraining Order Court Forms
- Name & Gender Change
- Small Claims
- Click here for information to know before you sue someone (if you sue someone, you are the Plaintiff)
- Click here for information if you’ve been sued (if you are sued, you are the Defendant)
- Click here for information about collecting your judgment if you win your Small Claims case
- Click here to watch a video on Serving Your Small Claims Forms
- Unlawful Detainer
- Limited Conservatorship
- Guardianship of the Minor
- Debt Collection (limited assistance)
- Fee Waivers
Information about civil cases
- General Civil Cases* NOTE: The Self-Help Center does not assist with general civil cases. This section provides information that may be helpful to guide you if you have questions about a general civil case. You are encouraged to seek legal advice if you need additional assistance.
How to get help
Drop-in services are currently suspended but you may contact us via LiveChat or phones to be screened for an in-person or remote appointment.
Call us
Monday - Thursday, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Voicemails can only be left during phone hours. Calls are returned within 5 business days.
Chat with us
LiveChat Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Click the widget located on the bottom right corner of this page during our LiveChat hours. We may stop taking new chats before the stated hours once we reach capacity.
NOTE: If you do not see the LiveChat Widget, click this to try again.
Click here and find the LiveChat Widget at bottom right corner
Workshops available
Start Divorce/Legal Separation/Annulment case
- The next workshop will be on November 6, 2024 at 1:30PM. Contact us for an appointment.
Financial Disclosures
- The next workshops will be on October 16, 2024 and November 13, 2024 at 1:30PM. Contact us for an appointment.
Start Small Claims
- The next workshops will be on October 30, 2024 and November 20, 2024 at 1:30PM. Contact us for an appointment.
- Click hereto watch a video on Serving Your Small Claims Forms
Workshops and appointments available for those who need Language Assistance.
Please call us Monday - Thursday, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. to be scheduled for a workshop or appointment.
Forms @ home
"Law Help Interactive (LHI)" allows you to complete online interviews for certain types of legal actions. Once the interview is complete the required forms may be printed. Once printed, the forms may be submitted to the Court for filing.
More Resources
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Representing Yourself
Useful information about representing yourself in Court
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Prepare for Self-Help Services
What you can expect from working with our Self-Help Staff
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Self-Help Videos
Watch helpful videos about serving your Court forms
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Partner Clinic
East Bay Community Law Center
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Partner Clinic
Legal Access Alameda
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Partner Clinic
Family Violence Law Center
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Partner Organization
Legal Assistance for Seniors
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Families Change
A guide to separation and divorce. Resources are available for all members of the family.
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Division FAQs
The list of FAQ's by Court Division
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Resource Center
Additional information and resources