If you are seeking assistance with identifying the proper legal forms to use, and/or need help completing legal forms that you intend to file in a California court, court-sponsored “self-help centers” are an excellent no-cost resource.
Additionally, self-help centers regularly provide free legal workshops and seminars on legal topics including small claims lawsuits, probating estates, divorce and guardianship.
For those living in Los Angeles County, which includes Palmdale and Lancaster, the nearest self-help center is located at the courthouse in Lancaster, at 42011 4th Street W., Room 3700. For those living in Kern County, (Edwards, Rosamond, California City, Boron, North Edwards) the nearest self-help center is located at the courthouse in Bakersfield, at 1415 Truxtun Ave., 3rd Floor. In Kern County, self-help services are also provided by phone at (661) 868-2532.
If your issue specifically pertains to family law like child custody, guardianship, spousal support, and child support, California courts also have no-cost, “family law facilitator” departments that can assist with identifying proper forms, form completion and general, procedural questions. The nearest Los Angeles County Family Law Facilitator department is located at the courthouse in Lancaster, identified above, and may be contacted by phone at (661) 974-7348. For Kern County, the nearest family law facilitator is located at the courthouse in Mojave, at 1773 Hwy. 58. However, because Mojave is considered a “satellite” courthouse, availability is limited to Mondays, from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. The Kern County Family Law Facilitator may also be reached via email at: WMFacil@kern.courts.ca.gov
Finally, the California courts have an outstanding self-help website: www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp. In addition to providing an overview of most legal processes, the website has all the necessary “fillable” PDF forms you may need for your specific legal action.
For more information, please contact the Base Legal Office at (661) 277-4310. Legal assistance attorneys are available 10-11 a.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 3-4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday. Paralegals can provide power of attorney and notary services 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday.
