The Office of the Family Law Facilitator provides assistance to self-represented litigants (parties to a lawsuit who do not have an attorney) in shandling their child and spousal support cases and provide information in the areas of family law – dissolution, legal separation, annulment, child custody/visitation, guardianship of minor, adoption; landlord and tenant information; Change of Name; Conservatorship; Civil Harassment; Domestic Violence Restraining Orders; limited civil matters; simple probate; expungements; and immigration. The Office of the Family Law Facilitator provides information and explains options without giving legal advice. When assisted by the Facilitator, you are still in control by making the decision as to what action to pursue in relation to your case.

The Family Law Facilitator CAN:

• Help you select the proper legal forms, and in some cases, complete the forms and file the forms.
• Prepare the paperwork to establish, modify or terminate child and/or spousal support orders;
• Explain the process of establishing paternity, and prepare the necessary paperwork to establish paternity;
• Prepare Motions and/or Orders to Show Cause and responses to establish, modify or terminate a child support, spousal support or health insurance order; determine arrears; release licenses; establish repayment plans; seek reimbursement for overpayments; and, quash or modify wage assignment orders;
• Prepare Orders After Hearing for child support, spousal support, establishment of paternity or disestablishment of paternity;
• Provide information and prepare draft calculations of support amounts based on statutory guidelines;
• Provide referrals to DCSS (Department of Child Support Services), Family Court Services and other community agencies;
• Prepare answers to DCSS complaints;
• Prepare motions to set aside previous rulings in appropriate cases;
• Assist in preparing and filing Proofs of Service;
• Prepare wage assignments; and
• Prepare fee waiver applications.

These services are provided by the Family Law Facilitator's Office free of charge.

The Family Law Facilitator CANNOT:

• Act as your attorney, but solely as a neutral person who does not represent any parent or party. There is no attorney-client relationship or privilege between you and any office staff. The staff at the Family Law Facilitator's office are employees of the Kings County Superior Court and represent the court, not the people who use its services. Because we do not represent individuals, the Family Law Facilitator's Office may assist both parties in a case. Communications between you and the Family Law Facilitator's Office are not confidential.
• Attend any court hearing with you. If you need to go to court to present your case, you will present your case alone.
• Provide assistance with complex cases. You are advised to seek the services of a private attorney in such situations. The Family Law Facilitator's Office cannot assist parties who are represented by an attorney.
• Be responsible for the outcome of your case.
• Assist parties who are represented by an attorney.