Self Help/Pro Per Clinic
Self-Help / Pro Per Clinic
If you have a new case, please submit a ticket through the online workshop.
The Family Law Facilitator / Pro Per Clinic provides free services to help people who do not have private attorneys.
Workshop Flyer (English) , opens PDF document | Workshop Flyer (Español) , opens PDF document
To better serve you, the Self-Help Center has expanded its services. You may now submit forms for review online. An email address is required for communication. PDF files are preferred and should be uploaded as a single file. Images from mobile devices are accepted but must be uploaded together for multi-page documents.
For information about the Family Law Facilitator / Pro Per Clinic, call (209) 992-5283. For general Family Law Court information, call (209) 992-5690. If you need an ASL interpreter, please bring one with you.
Please do not bring children to the Pro Per Clinic or workshops.
When You Arrive at the Clinic
You must sign in upon arrival. Space is limited each day, so arriving early is strongly recommended. Once daily capacity is reached, you may need to return on the next business day.
Cases that do not require a workshop will be assisted at the Pro Per Clinic. Bring your most recent court order and all related paperwork.
If you need a domestic violence restraining order, contact the San Joaquin County Justice Center at (209) 468-2500 or PREVAIL (formerly the Women's Center of San Joaquin County) at (209) 941-2611.
Individuals representing themselves are strongly encouraged to have forms reviewed by the Self-Help Clinic before filing or presenting them to the court.
Services the Clinic Provides
The Family Law Facilitator / Pro Per Clinic provides general legal information and referrals. Staff may review paperwork if you have attended a workshop or were given sample forms.
Family Law
- Change of venue
- Child custody and visitation (initial orders or modifications)
- Child support (income and expense declarations)
- Dissolution, legal separation, nullity, or annulment
- Emancipation
- Grandparent visitation
- Parentage and paternity actions
- Preparation of judgments and orders (as time allows or by court order)
- Responses and responsive declarations
- Spousal support (income and expense declarations)
- Stepparent adoption
- Summary dissolution
- Wage garnishment and income withholding orders
- Writs and enforcement of orders
Civil
- Limited civil (consumer debt only)
- Name change and recognition of gender change (adult and minor)
- Proofs of service
- Small claims
- Unlawful detainer (eviction)
Probate
- Guardianship of the person
- Conservatorship of the person
- CARE Act petition filing
- Lodi Branch Court: 217 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240 — Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Self-Help Center: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Restraining Orders
- Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO)
- Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)
- Elder Abuse Restraining Order (EARO)
- Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO)
- Workplace Violence Restraining Order (WVRO)
The Self-Help Center will review restraining order forms for completeness but cannot fill them out for you.
Services the Clinic Does Not Provide
The Self-Help Center does not assist with case types or legal areas not listed above.
Clinic staff do not represent you and cannot provide legal advice. There is no attorney-client relationship between you and the clinic. Consider consulting a private attorney to understand your legal rights.
Forms are available from San Joaquin County Local Forms and the Judicial Council of California.