The Family Law Facilitator helps people involved in family law cases such as divorce, custody, separation, parenting time, or support. Our family law facilitator informs self-represented people of court processes and available court forms, reviews documents, and provides information about legal services and other resources available in the community. If you use the court's forms, you are choosing to represent yourself. It is very important to read the instructions and carefully consider how you complete your forms. You are encouraged to consult with an attorney for any legal advice.
You should be aware the facilitator may also assist the opposing party. Any meetings or conversations you have with the facilitator are not confidential. The facilitator cannot give legal advice or help with legal strategy and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or legal effects of the information contained in any written or verbal instructions or forms.
Our services are free, and there are two ways to obtain our forms: You may purchase forms from the Circuit Court or print your forms from our website. The court charges $5.00 for forms packet. You may print the instructions and blank forms for free from our website at
https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/family/Pages/default.aspx.
- People of any income level
- People who are not represented by lawyers
- People who know what kind of action they need to file
- Both parties in a case
- People who are involved in family law actions such as: dissolution of marriage (divorce), establishing or changing custody and parenting time, enforcing custody, and parenting time, contempt of court, temporary orders, protective orders, legal separation
- Provide information on selecting, finding, and completing forms
- Provide information about court procedures, rules, and other educational materials
- Refer to agencies and resources that provide legal and other services
- Provide document review to make sure forms are complete
- Provide information about how to begin a court action
- Assist as a scrivener (transcriber) by completing forms for people who have a barrier to reading and writing the English language
- Provide legal advice or opinion or legal strategy
- Tell you what to write on your papers
- Assist people who are represented by lawyers
- Provide information to one party that would not be given to all other parties
It is important to note that as a self-represented litigant, you are acting as your own attorney. Although this service may aid you in that, it is not a replacement for valuable legal advice nor should it be considered so. Court staff are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful practice of law.
Assistance the Family Law Facilitator Can Give You
The Family Law Facilitator is available by appointment to review your completed family law forms. You may also contact the Family Law Facilitator by email to ask procedural questions or for clarification on family law forms. 7th Judicial District, Family Law Facilitator
7th.district.family.law@ojd.state.or.usHow to Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to meet with the Family Law Facilitator to review your documents, you must first fill them out as completely as possible. Once you have completed your family law forms, contact the court to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call
541-506-2700 ext. 70890.
Appointments are one hour in length and may be scheduled between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, excluding the noon hour, Monday through Friday, except for court holidays.
Your Appointment with the Family Law Facilitator
Upon arriving at the courthouse for your appointment, please check in at the Circuit Court front counter, identify yourself, and let court staff know that you have an appointment with the Family Law Facilitator. Please avoid bringing children who may distract you from the important decisions you are making for your family.