The purpose of the Civil Self-Help Center is to provide general information and basic assistance to self-represented litigants (those without a lawyer). If you have a lawyer, or represent a corporation, LLC or LLP, we cannot help you. Corporations, LLC's and LLP's must appear in court through an attorney; they cannot represent themselves through a non-lawyer.
Help is provided either through workshops, quick assistance, referrals, or through a limited number of individual appointments. We regret that help is NOT available by telephone or email, as our resources are limited.
The CSHC cannot assist with all types of cases. Instead of an appointment, patrons may be referred to the library or to other services such as the Small Claims Clinic or Family Law Facilitators' office.
Issues the staff CAN assist you with:
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Issues the staff CANNOT assist you with:
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Simple complaints for breach of contract
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Appeals
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Simple answers to breach of contract lawsuits through Workshop
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Landlord/Tenant (Unlawful Detainer; Eviction)
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Simple complaints for personal injury and property damage
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Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice
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Simple answers to personal injury and property damages
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All Real Estate actions, including Quiet Title, Lis Pendens, Foreclosure and Loan Modification
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Enforcement of Judgment
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Administrative Law, Government Torts, Writs of Mandate & any action involving a government entity
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Motions to Set Aside Default
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Family Law (divorce, child custody, paternity)
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Motions to Extend Time for Service only
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Criminal Law
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Orders for Examination
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Complicated Probate/Estate Issues, such as Will Contests, and Conservatorships & Guardianships
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Name Changes through Workshop
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Small Claims
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Requests for Entry of Default
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Traffic
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Discovery Responses through Class & Lab
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Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency
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Oppositions to Civil Forfeitures
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Federal Law (Bankruptcy, Immigration Law, lawsuits against the U.S., all Civil Rights lawsuits)
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Claims of Exemption from Wage Garnishment or Bank Levy
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Class Action lawsuits
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Motions to and Oppositions to Motions to Compel Discovery
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Writs of Possession/TRO's/Injunctions
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Oppositions to Motions to Deem Admissions Admitted and for Sanctions
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Employment Law
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Motions to Pay in Installments
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Case Management Statements
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updated 1/08/13