Self-Help

The Self-Help Center can answer questions about your case, help you figure out which forms you need and how to fill them out, and explain different legal options. Our staff cannot give legal advice (staff can tell you how to do something but cannot tell you what choice you should make). Staff may refer you to a private attorney or another resource depending on your situation. 

• Answer your questions by phone or email
• Provide help completing forms by appointment, or checking completed forms on a walk in basis
• Direct you to step by step instructions online

The Self Help Center assists with many case types. Click the following link to see if your case qualifies.

Can the Self Help Center assist you with your case type?

Many Court Forms are available online. It is possible to access, complete and file the form online without having to come to the courthouse.

Looking for Court Forms?

How to Access Services at the Self-Help Center

• Brief information and review of completed forms is offered in person at all three Self-Help Center locations.  The Self-Help Center also responds to questions by phone or email. 
• For remote assistance please email your name, telephone number, and court case number (if you have one) to selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov or call 831-647-5800, x3005.  It may take a few days for the Self-Help staff to get back to you, so we ask for your patience.
• At this time, assistance in filling out court forms is by phone appointment only.  Please contact the Self-Help Center in person, or by email or phone, to schedule an appointment.  Wait times for appointments may be up to several weeks.

Cómo acceder a los servicios del Centro de Autoayuda

• Se ofrece información breve y la revisión de los formularios completados en persona en las tres ubicaciones del Centro de Autoayuda.  El Centro de autoayuda también responde a las preguntas por teléfono o correo electrónico. 
• Para asistencia remota, envíe su nombre, número de teléfono y número de caso judicial (si tiene uno) a selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov o llame al (831) 647-5800, x3005. Es posible que el personal de autoayuda se tarde algunos días en comunicarse con usted, por lo cual le pedimos nos tenga paciencia.
• En este momento, la asistencia para completar los formularios de la corte se ofrece solo con cita telefónica.  Comuníquese con el Centro de ayuda en persona, por correo electrónico o por teléfono, para programar una cita.  Los tiempos de espera para las citas pueden ser de hasta varias semanas.

Legal Advice

Information is available at the State Court Self-Help Site. You can obtain a referral to a lawyer or legal aid group from the local bar association. The Self-Help Center can assist you with identifying the forms you need to file, review your completed forms for accuracy, and answer questions about the legal process.

Note About Cases Involving Children

Self-Help Center Staff can only assist with new cases involving children (parentage, divorce, custody, visitation or support) if you have a copy of the child’s (or children’s) birth certificates.  The names of all the parties and the children must match the birth record in order to end up with an enforceable and useful order or judgment from the Court.   

Birth Certificates for children born in Monterey County can be found here: Monterey County Recorder's Office

Prepare Your Forms at Home 

Go to File @ Home to prepare and print the following types of filing:

• Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership, or Legal Separation

• Petition to Establish Parentage, or Custody and Support

• Request for Order (Family Law)

• Income and Expense Declaration

• Restraining Orders

• Petition for Appointment of Guardianship

• Requesting a Limited Conservatorship

• Small Claims

• Eviction/Unlawful Detainer

• Notice of Change of Address or Other Contact Information

• Adult Name Change