The Family Court Self Help Program originated in 1994 through a coalition between the Eleventh
Judicial Circuit and the Dade County Bar Association’s Legal Aid Society in response to a need
to increase access to the court for Self-Represented Litigants involved in family court matters. The
Program’s mission is to provide specialized service to Self-Represented Litigants involved in
the family court process by providing the proper forms and instructions to streamline their case,
reduce confusion and eliminate delays.
In accordance with limits set by the Supreme Court of Florida, the Self-Help Program can assist
Self-Represented Litigants with the following services:
- Initial intake with a front counter specialist
- Online services that provide the Self-Represented Litigants with information on the type of
forms packet needed
- Orientation and familiarization of the forms included in the packets so that the
self-represented litigant can complete the forms at their convenience.
- Packet Completion Assistance for Self-Represented Litigants needing additional assistance with
the completion of the forms. (Optional Service) for a nominal fee.
- Document review service to ensure that forms are inspected for completeness prior to filing with
the Clerk of Courts
- Concise instructions on court procedures and what next steps can be expected during this
process.
- Connect parties to court partners who can assist with the next stages of the case.
The Self-Help Programs role is to provide procedural assistance to Self-Represented Litigants for
them to present their case to the court and obtain a final hearing. The Self-Help Program does not
give legal advice nor guarantee the outcome of the Self-Represented Litigants case in court.
The Self-Help Programs service fee varies from $5 to $125 depending on the Self-Help Program service.
The service fee includes the following services: provide procedural assistance, initial review of
pleading with a Self-Help Paralegal, notarization of pleadings and documents, copies and postage,
packet completion assistance, case follow-up visits, case status information and assist
Self-Represented Litigants in obtaining a court hearing.
If you are a Self-Represented Litigant who is indigent and can provide proof of indigency, the
Self-Help Program may be able to provide Self-Help services at a reduced cost, or in certain cases,
have the costs completely waived. Please note that this Self-Help waiver is not related to any other
Court or Clerk of Court fees.
Family Court Self Help Program Locations
For general information and scheduling on the Self Help Program please contact:
South Dade Justice Center
Address: 10710 SW 211th Street, Room 1400, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
Telephone:(305) 349-7800
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday
- Friday except for
court holidays
Self-Help Services (Packets)
Divorce: No Minor Children, No
Property, and No Debts
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.
Divorce with Minor Children
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.
Divorce: No Minor Children, with
Property, and Debts
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing a dissolution of marriage.
Paternity
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to establish paternity, a
time-sharing schedule, and child support.
Disestablished Paternity
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to disestablish paternity or
terminate a child support obligation.
Modification
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to change/modify a current court
order.
Relocation
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to relocate more than 50 miles.
Temporary Custody
Information, packet, fees, and resources for an extended family member filing to obtain
temporary custody of a child or children.
Name Change
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to change their name, or minor
child(ren), or family.
Administrative Support
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need
to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.
Petition to Establish Parenting
Plan and Time-Sharing Schedule
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those filing to Petition to Establish Parenting
Plan and Time-Sharing Schedule.
Name Change Family
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need
to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.
Name Change Minor Child(ren)
Information, packet, fees, and resources for those that have DOR child support order and need
to file an appeal or requesting to supersede an order.
Family Self Help Appointments
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit’s Self-Help Program (SHP) now provides Self-Represented Litigants
(SRL) the ability to schedule their Self-Help appointment online. Please read the different
appointment types carefully below before clicking on the link to schedule your appointment.
Appointments are not required for front counter services which include the following: case
follow-up services, filing of Motion packets or Answer packets, Self-Help packet info or general
information, and case status information.
Please note that scheduling the incorrect appointment type can subject you to being rescheduled
for another date. All SHP appointments are scheduled for specific dates and times depending
on appointment type. After you schedule your appointment online, you will be receiving a
confirmation via email and text with appointment details.
First Time Visit (In person appointment required)
Your packet is fully completed and is ready for Self-Help Paralegal review prior to filing. The
Self-Help service fee (see fee schedule) includes Paralegal review, notarization of court documents,
initial procedural information, follow-up procedural information, and procedural information to
obtain a hearing.
Example: To make an appointment for a Post Judgment Modification packet, you will select
First-Time Visit Modification.
Packet Completion Assistance (In person appointment required)
Need assistance completing your packet prior to filing? The Self-Help Program offers a packet
completion service with a Self-Help Paralegal at a nominal fee (see fee schedule on packet
description page) to help you complete your documents.
Example: To make a Packet Completion Assistance appointment for a Paternity Agreement packet,
you will select Packet Completion Assistance-Paternity Agreement.
Schedule
Appointment