The Family Law Self-help Center
Family Law Classes
California Courts Self-Help Center

The Family Law Self-Help Center

Family Law refers to dissolution (divorce), legal separation, child custody and visitation disputes, child and spousal support, property and debt division and restraining orders. The Family Law Self Help Center is staffed by the Family Law Facilitator, attorneys, administrative staff and volunteers. You may receive help in selecting and completing the appropriate forms, with information regarding the status of your case, and general legal information regarding all aspects of family law and procedure. You may also use one of the available computers to run a child support calculation called a "Dissomaster."

The staff cannot represent you and your conference with the staff at the Center is not confidential. You will be helped on a "first-come first-served" basis. Service is limited to the first 40 persons each day. As Spanish interpreters cannot be guaranteed, those in need of an interpreter should provide their own as well as someone who can help them to complete the forms in English.

Click on the links below to view the schedules for Family Law Self Help Centers and Family Law Workshops:

    Ventura Courthouse

    Simi Valley Courthouse

    Juvenile Courthouse


LOCATIONS:

The Ventura Family Law Self-help Center is located at the Ventura Courthouse, 800 South Victoria Ave., on the third floor, in Room 30 outside of the family law courts.

The Simi Valley Self Help Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Simi Valley Courthouse at 3855-F Alamo Street, in Simi Valley.

The Oxnard Self Help Center is located at 1500 Colonia Road, #20 in Oxnard.

The Santa Paula location is outside the Job and Career Center, 725 E. Main Street, Santa Paula in the mobile center.


RECORDED INFORMATION:  Call (805) 662-6661

Family Law Classes


Classes are held in Simi are on Tuesday and in Ventura on Thursday.
Classes and times are as follows:

"Step #1, How to Start or Respond to An Action for Divorce or Legal Separation"

This class / workshop is held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and provides a general overview of family law. An experienced attorney will instruct you on how to complete your documents, file them with the court and serve the other party. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and complete your forms at the class.


"How to Get, Change or Respond to Orders for Child Custody, Visitation or Support"

This class / workshop is held from 10:15 a.m. to 12:00. This class covers the broad area of obtaining, changing or opposing orders for child custody, visitation and child and spousal support. You will be instructed on what forms to use and how to complete them as well as how to serve the other party and what to expect when you go to court. Please bring financial information, and a complete set of documents and orders which have already been filed in your case.


"Step #2, Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure"

This class / workshop is held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is the second step in your case. You will learn how to prepare and serve your Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure. You may attend with the other party. You should bring proof of your income and any information on the values of your property or debts.


"Step #3, Getting Your Final Judgment"

This class / workshop is held from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is the final step in your case. You will learn how to finalize your Divorce or Legal Separation action. You may attend with the other party. In many cases, you will be able to complete all of the final documents at the class. Please bring a complete set of documents and orders which have already been filed in your case. You must complete Step #2 before attending this class.


Classes in Ventura are held on Thursdays in Room 30
Family Law Self Help Center, 3rd Floor, Hall of Justice
800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California
Classes in Simi Valley are on Tuesdays
Family Law Self Help Center, 2nd floor, East County Division
3855-F Alamo Street, Simi Valley, California
Please bring a black pen and any documents and orders filed in your case.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN