Family Court Self Help Program was initiated in 1994 through a coalition of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the Dade County Bar's Legal Aid Society to increase access to the Court for the many pro se parties involved in Family Court. The program provides packets containing all forms necessary for divorce and other family court matters, for a fee. In accordance with limits set by the Supreme Court of Florida, litigants are assisted in the use of their packets, forms are reviewed for completeness and instructions on court procedures are provided. By reducing delays caused by insufficient filings, the Self Help Program also assists judges and other court personnel through the efficient management of family cases.

The cost for a Petition for Dissolution, Petition to Determine Paternity, Temporary Custody or Petition for Modification packet is $65. However, the Court is aware that many self-represented litigants find even this amount burdensome. Therefore, we provide a waiver for self-represented litigants who are indigent to complete and if they qualify that can get the packet fee at a reduced cost or completely waived. Please note that this Self-Help waiver is not related to any other Court or Clerk of Court fees.