Self-Help Centers

A self-help center is a place you can go for brief, in person, legal assistance. 

In some counties, courts, law libraries, bar associations, and/or legal aid organizations provide self-help centers where you can get in-person legal help on your issues. The help provided can range from help with your paperwork, to legal advice, and more. 

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  What can I do to help the self-help center assist me?

  For the self-help center to best assist you, the staff there will need to fully understand what has happened in your case.

  Therefore, it is a good idea to make a written account of what you say happened. For this, write out everything that has happened in your case. This type of document is called a Fact Statement.  Start from the very beginning of your case, and write down what happened. Make sure to include dates and references to any evidence you might have to help prove your side of the story.

  Also, it is a good idea to write out what you would like to happen in your case. This called a Goals Statement. To write one, just write out what your ideal outcomes of the case is so that the self-help center staff can understand your goals for the case. 

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  What should I be aware of before going to a Self-Help Center?

  Different centers provide different services. 

  The services provided by a self-help center can be different from center to center. Please pay close attention to the services provided and not provided by each self-help center. 

  Also, some self-help centers require you make an appointment before getting help. Make sure to call before going to see if you need to make an appointment first.