Self-Help Centers
This page provides links that are helpful for persons who choose to represent themselves in court without the help of an attorney. Such individuals are known as “self-represented,” “Pro Per,” or “Pro Se” litigants. The websites listed here include content designed for use by the self-represented litigant. There are many other subject specific links contained on our Legal Links page.
American Bar Association-Resources for the Public
This site includes many online brochures and helpers for the self-represented litigant. Some sample publications are: Consumer’s Guide to Legal Help, and ABA Fact Books and Guide Books on common legal issues. The ABA also provides detailed links for obtaining free and low cost legal aid, as well as legal research links through Lawlink.
California Courts Self-Help Center
The California Judicial Council’s website provides detailed assistance for self-represented litigants in common legal matters such as small claims, landlord/tenant, name change, divorce, traffic, and more. Para ver este sitio en español haga clic aquí.
California Family Law Self-Help Centers (Facilitators)
Check this link for a listing of family law self-help centers statewide.
California Small Claims Legal Advisors and other Self-Help Centers
Check this link for a directory of small claims and other self-help centers statewide.
Contra Costa County-Superior Court Virtual Self-Help Center
Online self-help center which is useful for information on guardianship, landlord/tenant, and domestic violence matters.
I-CAN! Legal Modules
I-CAN! is a web-based system that helps users create court paperwork and educate themselves about how to proceed in their own legal matters. The site contains a video guide that helps the user select and fill out appropriate court forms in civil matters such as Domestic Violence, Unlawful Detainer (eviction), Paternity, and more. I-CAN! is free of charge and is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. I-CAN! was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and was sponsored by organizations including: Legal Services Corporation, Judicial Council of California, State Bar of California, Orange County Superior Court, Orange County District Attorney, Orange County Public Library System, Disneyland, City of Irvine, and the City of Fullerton.
LawHelpCalifornia.org
LawHelpCalifornia.org is a free client-focused website featuring over 450 referrals to free legal aid and court services, as well as sliding scale legal programs and lawyer referral services. The site also hosts links to over 1800 self-help legal materials, over 500 of which can be accessed in non-English languages.
Nolo.com
Self-help law publisher’s website with a lot of good information for the self-represented litigant. Click on the Plain English Law Center for a dictionary and encyclopedia of the law. This commercial publisher also offers its products for sale on this website.
The Pro Se Law Center
Searchable directory of Pro Se Programs nationwide.
TurboCourt
Fill out court forms using an interactive program designed to help non-attorneys properly fill out forms for family law, small claims, eviction, and guardianship/probate. Many California counties are included in this site. Users select the county in which they are going to file and then answer questions in order to fill out the forms.
State Bar of California-Public Services links
The State Bar of California offers public services links to many pamphlets and publications. This site contains information on simple wills, small claims, and learning about the legal system (legal literacy).