The First Judicial Circuit has established the Family Law Self-Help Program in an effort to help people represent themselves in certain matters before the Court.  By starting the Family Law Self-Help Program, the First Judicial Circuit has made a commitment to take some of the confusion out of the courts system and make it easier for litigants to represent themselves.

The Program, which currently has offices in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties, has a case manager to make sure that the court system is used effectively and efficiently; that the judges receive the information that is needed to make a ruling; that the people involved are aware of the proper requirements for the procedure in front of the Court.

As in all matters involving the law, it is recommended that you obtain the services of a competent lawyer.  Neither the family law case manager nor other court personnel will provide you with legal advice, represent you in court, fill out forms or tell you what to say or write.  It is important for you to understand that "the family law case manager does not represent you, YOU represent yourself."

In order to be available for services through the Family Law Self-Help Program, one or both of the parties must be "pro se", meaning they are representing themselves.

Family Law Forms and other Self-Help information is avaliable at www.firn.edu/supct/links/selfhelp.html