Creating Access to Justice
Family courts are meant to be for everyone!
The legal system in the United States does not always operate with the same efficiency or outcomes, based upon the individuals involved and the type of legal issues at hand.
People deserve to understand what is happening with their families, money, assets, and children, without spending tens of thousands of dollars for an attorney to represent them.
The amount of money you have, the language you speak, and your education level should not determine the outcome of your legal matters.
Not knowing or understanding what’s happening in court, with your family and children is frightening and scary. Give yourself the gift of information to make the process less intimidating.
Giving people tools and resources to advocate for themselves forces the system to make the best possible judgments and consider everyone involved.
DIY Family Law was created to help people be sure that they are speaking their truths in court and asking for what they want to have happened with their family.
Filling the Needs of Self-Represented-Litigants
What happens when you cannot afford an attorney? Family courts in California allow individuals to represent themselves. DIY was created to help individuals who are representing themselves in family court understand the common procedures, concepts, and requirements to participate in their family law matter(s). Educate and empower yourself to advocate for what you want from the family law court system.
Family law is driven by court forms, meaning, the court provides blank, standardized forms for litigants to complete and file with the clerk, to bring their case to the court, make requests or submit responses to the other party's requests, and modify existing orders, as situations change over time. Learning how to complete the court forms and understand what the court is asking for is particularly important to ensure that your voice and legal requests are heard.
Goals – be your own best advocate!
No one understands your family and circumstances like you do! Who better to advocate for you, than you!
Educate yourself on common legal language and procedures involved in family court to ask the court for what you want and clearly explain your position with supporting evidence.
Receive feedback on your legal paperwork before submitting them to court. This will help avoid the court rejecting your documents for formalities or incompleteness.
Meet with Norah to discuss your case, specific questions, and concerns. Each appointment lasts one hour and no retainer is required. Pay by the hour, as you go!
Don’t give your hard-earned money to an attorney or law firm when you can educate and empower yourself to DIY!