Pro Se Litigant
A Pro Se litigant is an individual who represents himself/herself in a legal proceeding without the assistance of an attorney. It is important to understand that choosing to represent yourself means that the Court will expect you to follow the same rules and procedures that an attorney must follow. Therefore, it is still the responsibility of a "Pro se" litigant to be aware of laws and legal rules before appearing in court, as the Judge, Magistrate, Case Managers, Deputy Clerks, or other court personnel are not allowed to give you any legal advice.
Intake staff in the Family Court Services Program assist “Pro Se” parties by providing Supreme Court Family Law forms, local court forms, guidance as to court procedures and processes and notarization of documents. Staff also will open the cases in the clerk’s s system and set the first case management conference approximately 45-60 days from the time of filing. Intake Staff are not permitted to assist parties who have legal representation.
Family Court Services Case Management staff monitor and track the movement of Family Law Cases through the court system in a timely and efficient manner while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Individuals are advised that the Family Court Services staff does not represent them in their case. Legal advice cannot be given.
AREAS AVAILABLE FOR ASSISTANCE
- Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) with or without minor children/ property
- Child support
- Child Visitation
- Response to Petitions
- Paternity
- Child Custody
- Child Name Changes
- Motions
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Self help program for Lee County is located in Fort Myers in the Lee County Justice Center.
Address:
1700 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Although Charlotte County does not have Intake Staff, A Self-Help service for pro se Petitioners and Respondents is offered through the Administrative Office of the Courts. The program provides pro se litigants with a list of different types of cases that can be opened, pre-printed packets that may be purchased through the clerk’s office. Case Managers cannot provide legal advice. If a pro se litigant feels that they need more information they can call Court Administration at (941) 637-2284 to speak with a case manager. They may also make an appointment for free notarization of their paperwork and copies.
DOWNLOADS
RELATED LINKS
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Self Help Program for Charlotte County is located in Punta Gorda in the Charlotte County Justice Center.
350 E. Marion Ave. 2nd Fl
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
If you are a self-represented party, you have the option to visit the Florida Self Help Family Law web site for important forms you may need to proceed in your case. You also have the option to visit the Family Law Help Center, located on the 2nd floor of the Collier County Courthouse, 3315 Tamiami Trail East, Ste., 102 Naples, FL 34112.
Also you can contact the Collier County Bar Association ((239) 252-8138) for an appointment for assistance in understanding the court procedures, distribution of family law forms approved by the Supreme Court of Florida and notary services.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lawyer Referral Service: (239) 252-8138
Legal Aid: (239) 775-4555
Collier County Courthouse
3315 Tamiami Trail East
2nd floor, Ste. 102
Naples, FL 34112
OFFICE HOURS
Walk-in services are available for self-help in Hendry County on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Appointments can be made to Nancy Owens.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Magistrate and Senior Judge's Office
25 E. Hickpochee Ave.
LaBelle, Florida 33935
Nancy Owens
Assistant to the Magistrate and Senior Judges
(863) 612-4714
nowens@ca.cjis20.org
