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Welcome to Lassen Superior Court Self-Help

Access to Justice Center

The Access to Justice Center, located in the Hall of Justice, offers two free programs for people representing themselves in court (self-represented litigants):

  • Self-Help Attorney: Help with a wide range of family law and civil matters.
  • Family Law Facilitator: Help with child support, spousal support, parentage, and related matters. See the Family Law Facilitator page for details and contact information.

We provide legal information and help filling out court forms, but we do not give legal advice and cannot act as your attorney. Our services are always free, but you are responsible for any court filing fees.

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Banner reading “Free legal help” and “Need assistance with these issues?” listing: Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody/Visitation, Unlawful Detainer, Legal Separation, Spousal Support, Paternity, and Court Procedures.

How to get help

Self-help services are currently scheduled and provided by phone.

To be added to the first-come, first-served list, leave a voicemail or send a text to (530) 251-3935 with your name, a good callback number, and a brief description of the matter you need help with. This line goes directly to voicemail. Someone will call or text you back from this number, so be ready to answer.

Services are by appointment only on scheduled Thursdays and Fridays. Voicemails and texts are returned in the order received, as the Self-Help Attorney is available.

  • Fridays: Remote callback clinics.
  • Thursdays: A limited number of in-person appointments are available when more help is needed.

Self-Help Flyers & Schedules

See the monthly flyers for Self-Help schedules and more information:

What we can do

The Access to Justice Center is staffed by attorneys trained to review the facts you provide, explain the law that applies, and walk you through your legal and procedural options. We can also refer you to other community agencies. Areas we can help with include:

  • Divorce, Legal Separation & Annulment
  • Domestic Violence
  • Child Custody & Visitation
  • Child and Spousal Support
  • Change of Venue
  • Civil Harassment
  • Stepparent Adoptions
  • Paternity
  • Guardianship
  • Name Change
  • Unlawful Detainer
  • Small Claims

What we cannot do

  • Give legal advice or represent you in court.
  • Recommend which option to choose. You are responsible for considering your options and making all decisions about your case.
  • Take responsibility for the outcome of your case.

Please note:

  • The Family Law Facilitator and Self-Help Attorney are not your attorneys.
  • Our services are available to everyone equally, which may include the other party in your case.
  • Your conversations and the information you share with us are not confidential.

If you want personalized advice or strategy, a confidential conversation, or representation in court, consult your own attorney.

Mission: Serving the Public

Our mission is to improve access to the courts, give self-represented litigants a gateway to the legal system, and bridge the gap between the courts and the community. We work to uphold public confidence and trust in the courts by serving everyone with impartiality and integrity, without discrimination based on gender, mental illness, age, sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, English proficiency, physical disability, or type of litigant.

How to Get Assistance

There are three ways to get help:

  • Online

    Many questions about court processes and requirements can be answered online, along with help filling out court forms. See the Online Resources page for more information.

    Online Resources

  • Remote or In-Person Help from the Self-Help Attorney

    Help is available through remote callbacks or scheduled in-person appointments. To request either, leave a voicemail or send a text to (530) 251-3935 with your name, a good callback number, and a brief description of the matter you need help with. Someone will call or text you back from this number, so be ready to answer.

    Callbacks are made weekly in the order requests are received. Depending on availability, only a limited number of people can be called back.

    For child support, spousal support, or parentage matters, contact the Family Law Facilitator.

  • SHARP Self-Help Centers

    The Self-Help Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP) is a court-supported self-help program that offers free help to people who do not have an attorney. SHARP can assist any party in a case with forms, legal information, and education. To reach a center, see the SHARP Contact page.

    Self-Help Assistance & Referral Program (SHARP)

External Agencies

  • Lassen Family Services

    "Lassen Family Services, Inc. is committed to ending abuse in our community through Prevention, Healing, Advocacy, Safety, and Education, compassionate intervention, and effective partnerships with local community and social service agencies that will support and empower the participant’s journey to success." - Lassen Family Services

     • • • 

    Website: Lassen Family Services
    Office Phone: (530) 257-4599
    24/7 Crisis Line: (530) 257-5004
    Email: info@lassenfamilyservices.org

  • Child Support Services

    "Child Support Services offers a professional, approachable, non-judgmental "middle ground" for parents/customers to get informed and ultimately transform a challenging situation into a path forward. We are committed to helping parents navigate services available, ensuring children are provided for and promoting peace of mind through information and action." - Lassen County Child Support Services

     • • • 

    Website: Department of Child Support Services
    Phone: (866) 901-3212
    Email: lcss@lassen.cse.ca.gov

  • Lassen Intervention

    “Our mission is to promote healthy individuals and families by providing education, advocacy and support.”– Jennifer Petersen | Lassen Intervention

     • • • 

    Website: Lassen Intervention
    Phone: (530) 310-0169
    Email: LassenIntervnetion@gmail.com