Before we start this section, we want to provide you with some information about ways to find legal help as you go through the separation process.
There are many ways to find legal help.
Self Help Website
One way is to use the California Court’s online self help center at www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm to find legal information on specific family-law related topics.
Facilitator and Self Help Center
Another way is to go to the Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center. Every county in California has a Family Law Facilitator or Self Help Center in the family court. Family law facilitators and self-help center attorneys are experienced attorneys who can provide information on the process for family law and help with the paperwork and procedures for divorce, legal separation, parentage, and other cases. They work for the court and can help both parents with their case at no charge.
If you need to find legal help quickly and know what kind of help you need, here is a list of resources:
- Use LawHelpCa.org to find legal aid offices, lawyer referral services, and other free and low-cost services in your county.
- If you need help with addressing violence in your relationship, and are in danger right now, call 911. For help with legal information, safe housing, and other resources, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (TDD: 1-800-787-3224). Or click here: http://www.thehotline.org/ You can also call your local domestic violence shelter
- Use the State Bar of California's website at calbar.ca.gov to find legal help.
- Find a lawyer referral service in your county.
- Look up "Lawyers" or "Attorneys" in the Yellow Pages of your phone book or on the internet.
- Ask a friend or family member. Many people have legal issues and they may be able to refer you to someone that helped them and can help you.
Dispute resolution programs
You might also consider participating in a dispute resolution program. Many communities have "dispute resolution" programs. These programs can try to help "mediate" or work out problems instead of going to court, so you may not need a lawyer. Find more information on resolving your dispute out of court, go to www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-adr.htm.
Limited Scope Representation
Another option is to hire a limited scope representation lawyer. When you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer to handle your entire case, limited-scope representation can be a great way for you to have legal help with your case while keeping costs down.
Limited-scope representation is when you and a lawyer agree that the lawyer will handle some parts of your case and you will handle other parts. This is different from more traditional arrangements between lawyers and clients where a lawyer is hired to provide legal services on all aspects of a case, from start to finish. Limited-scope representation is sometimes called “unbundling” or “discrete task representation.”