The Family Law Assistance Program assists people who are filing and responding to family law actions without an attorney. People filing by themselves are referred to as pro se litigants. Therefore, the Family Law Assistance Program staff cannot give legal advice. You are responsible for any research regarding your case.  SERVING RESIDENTS OF Leon, Gadsden, and surrounding counties of the 2nd Judicial Circuit.

WHAT DOES THE FAMILY LAW ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DO?

The Family Law Assistance Program assists the Family Law Judges by making sure that all pro se cases have met the procedural requirements. The program staff will provide you with the forms necessary for you to begin and respond to a legal action.

• Divorce

• Modifications

• Enforcement

• Step-Parent Adoption

• Temporary Custody by Extended Family

• Temporary Child Support

• Child Support

• Child Custody and Visitation

• Paternity

• Name Change

1. A pro se litigant must first purchase the packet that fits his/her needs;

2. The pro se litigant must thoroughly fill out the required documents. The pro se litigant can request the Family Law Assistance Program volunteer attorneys to conduct a procedural review of the documents upon completion. Contact the clerk’s office for an appointment.

3. The pro se litigant must file the originals in the Family Law Clerk’s office, Room 100 in Leon County or Clerk’s Office, 1^st Floor in the Gadsden County Courthouse;

4. After filing, the pro se litigant must have the opposing party served (further instructions provided during procedural review);

5. Upon filing, the pro se litigant’s file will be referred to the case manager. The case manager will review the file and notify the pro se litigant of any further instructions. Once the required documents are filed, the pro se litigant will receive a court date in the mail; and,

6. Depending on the action filed, Kids First (922-5343) or Family Mediation (577-4433) may be required.

Prices vary according to the necessary forms and services and the fee must be paid at the time of your initial visit. Packets are available for you to purchase by appointment Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2119 Delta Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303 or Tuesdays, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., at the Gadsden County Courthouse, Basement Board Room.

NO, we are NOT attorneys and will NOT give legal advice. However, the Family Law Assistance Program will provide you with forms and assist you in completing the forms.

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

It is always in your best interest to have legal representation; however, legal representation is not always affordable. The Family Law Assistance Program is an alternative for those who cannot afford an attorney and wish to represent themselves.

You may contact Legal Aid at 222-3004, Legal Services at 385-9007 (Advice Hotline 385-0029), or consult the yellow pages for an attorney. We will be glad to provide a list of attorneys you may contact for reduced fees.

WHAT IS THE FAMILY LAW ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PERMITTED TO DO?

The Family Law Assistance Program

• WILL explain the procedures involved in filing a cases;

• WILL explain how to file forms;

• WILL help a pro se litigant with additional court requirements;

• WILL NOT give legal advice;

• WILL NOT explain to pro se litigants their rights;

• WILL NOT represent a pro se litigant in court; and,

• WILL NOT tell a pro se litigant how to argue their case.

**All information provided by the self-represented litigants will not be confidential.**

PLEASE CONTACT:

Legal Services of North Florida, Inc.

FAMILY LAW ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

2119 Delta Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Wed. or Thurs. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(850) 701-1778

Basement Board Room

Gadsden County Courthouse

Wednesdays Only, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(850) 701-1778

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Call 850-701-1778 for an appointment

FOR A FORMS REVIEW:

Call 850-701-1778 for an appointment

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