Family Law Assistance Program
As part of a statewide program to improve the
accessibility of the courts to the public, the Family Law Assistance Program
will help self-represented (pro se) parties involved in family law cases such
as divorce, custody, separation, parenting time, or support. The Family Law
Assistance Program facilitators inform self-represented parties of court
processes and available court forms, review documents, and provide information
about legal services and other resources available in the community.
If you chose to use the court forms, you are self-represented. It is very
important to read all instructions and to carefully consider how to complete
the forms. Self-represented parties are encouraged to consult with an attorney
for any legal advice or legal strategy. The Family Law Assistance Program
cannot give legal advice.
You should be aware the Family Law Assistance Program facilitators may also
assist the opposing party in the case. Any meetings or conversations with the
facilitators are not confidential. The facilitators cannot give legal advice or
help with legal strategy. The Family Law Assistance Program assumes no
responsibility for the accuracy or legal effects of the information contained
in any written or verbal instructions or forms.
The Family Law Assistance Program services are free. There are two ways to
obtain the forms packets:
- You may pay 25 cents per page to purchase blank forms or use our public computers to print divorce and unmarried parent custody packets. You will type one screen of information and the documents will be printed with all the repetitive information filled in. You will still be required to complete most of the forms by hand.
You may print the instructions and blank forms for free from our website. Forms must be printed single sided only. Some forms are only available from the Family Law Assistance Program office or by email to wsh.familylaw@ojd.state.or.us.
In the Family Law Assistance Program office, you will complete an intake form,
purchase forms for 25 cents per page and receive a brief overview of the
process from one of the facilitators. Assistance is available in Spanish.
To maximize limited resources and to eliminate long wait times for services,
the Family Law Assistance Program offers workshops for assistance in reviewing
forms prior to filing. You may register for a workshop when you buy the forms
or by sending an email to wsh.familylaw@ojd.state.or.us.
Include the word “workshop” in the subject line of the email. Be sure to
include the type of case, case number (if available), whether you are starting
a new case, filing the final documents, modifying or filing a response. If your
message includes a day and time that works better for you, we will try to
accommodate your schedule. In addition, you may send questions or scanned
documents for review to the email address above. If you arrive for a workshop
with blank forms, the appointment will be rescheduled. Please avoid bringing
children who may distract you from the important decisions you are making for
your family.
The Family Law Assistance Program cannot complete forms for you. Forms must be
completed by the self-represented party.