Self-Help
Self-Help Assistance by Case Types
Self-Help Services provides free assistance to individuals without an attorney with the case types listed below.
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Self-Help Civil
• What is Civil Action?
• Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online
• Court Reporter Pooling -
Self-Help Criminal
• Criminal at a Glance
• Criminal Copy and Record Search Requests -
Self-Help Family Law
• Family Law at a Glance
• Self-Help Centers and Workshops -
Infractions (Non-Traffic)
• Infractions (Non-Traffic) at a Glance
• Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online -
Self-Help Juvenile
• Juvenile Court at a Glance
• Courthouse Location and Information -
Landlord / Tenant
• What Is an Unlawful Detainer Action?
• Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online -
Self-Help Name Change
• Changing an Adult's Name-Divorce Related or Non Divorce Related (California Courts Website)
• Changing a Child's Name (California Courts Website) -
Self-Help Probate
• Conservatorships (California Courts website)
• Guardianships (California Courts website) -
Restraining Orders
• Protective Orders at a Glance
• Multiple Restraining Orders -
Self-Help Small Claims
• Small Claims at a Glance
• Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online -
Self-Help Traffic
• Traffic at a Glance
• Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online
Our Mission Statement
The Self-Help Services of the Superior Court of Orange County and website provides procedural legal information to self-represented litigants, to empower them, increase their understanding, participation, and access to the justice system, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the court.
Self-Help Services
Self-Help Services provides free assistance to individuals without an attorney with the case types listed below. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation. Our services include legal procedural information, legal forms, review of completed forms, and referrals.
- Family Law
- Child support matters involving the Department of Child Support Services
- Civil and Small Claims
- Residential landlord/tenant
- Probate
- Criminal/Traffic
Click on the link below to learn about the Self-Help Services we offer.
In-Person Assistance
We provide in-person assistance at our locations below.
Central Justice Center (Santa Ana)
- We provide in-person assistance for civil issues, including small claims, residential evictions, probate, as well as criminal and traffic issues.
- Current hours of operation:
- Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Limited Services – Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lamoureaux Justice Center (Orange)
- We provide in-person assistance for family law matters. Due to long wait times, we strongly encourage you to make an appointment by visiting: tinyurl.com/SHLJCappointment.
- Current hours of operation:
- Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Limited Services – Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
COSTA MESA JUSTICE COMPLEX (Costa Mesa) Services are available every Monday
- We provide in-person assistance for probate matters.
- Current hours of operation:
- Every Monday 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.)
West Justice Center (Westminster)
Services are available every 1st and 3rd Thursday
- We provide in-person assistance for civil issues, including small claims, residential evictions, probate, family law, as well as criminal and traffic issues.
- Current hours of operation:
- Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed from 12 noon to 1:00 pm)
North Justice Center (Fullerton)
Services are available every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
- We provide in-person assistance for civil issues, including small claims, residential evictions, probate, family law, as well as criminal and traffic issues.
- Current hours of operation:
- Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Harbor Justice Center (Newport Beach)
Services are available every 2nd and 4th Wednesday
- We provide in-person assistance for civil issues, including small claims, residential evictions, probate, family law, as well as criminal and traffic issues.
- Current hours of operation:
- Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed from 12 noon to 1:00 pm)
Assistance by Self-Help Service Teams
Please click on the appropriate Team name below (left column) for more information about our services. Note that phone assistance is only available for certain case types as noted below.
Family Law Self-Help Team | To schedule an in-person appointment at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, click here.
*No phone hours until further notice |
Facilitator’s Office Self-Help Team
Must have pending Department of Child Support Services case |
657-622-5077 |
Civil Self-Help Team | See above for walk-in assistance at the Central Justice Center.
*No phone hours until further notice |
Probate Self-Help Team |
657-622-7170 |
Landlord / Tenant Self-Help Team |
See above for walk-in assistance at the Central Justice Center. *No phone hours until further notice |
File @ Home
Click on the button below to learn more.