Equal Access

Materials for Providers of Legal Self-Help Service

Materials Developed by Model SHC Pilot Programs

Below are the self-help materials each of the 5 model self-help pilot projects developed leading up to the report to the Legislature in 2005. Please note that many of the materials may be outdated due to form, rule and law changes, but may still prove helpful to the development of current materials.

Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Motion to Set Aside Default and Default Judgment (PDF) (DOC)

Marital Settlement Agreement 

Petition on Joinder - Grandparent Visitation (PDF) (DOC)

Filing a Dissolution Checklist 

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want custody of my children."

Civil Harassment Checklist

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want to get a restraining order against someone."

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I need help with my divorce." Example 1

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I need help with my divorce." Example 2

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want to collect child support."

Filing a Claim - Overview (PDF) (DOC)

How to Amend a Claim (PDF) (DOC)

How to Appeal a Judgment (PDF) (DOC)

How to Change a Court Date (PDF) (DOC)

How to Collect a Judgment (PDF) (DOC)

How to Countersue (PDF) (DOC)

How to Name a Defendant (PDF) (DOC)

How to Prepare and Present Your Case (PDF) (DOC)

How to Subpoena a Witness (PDF) (DOC)

How to Vacate a Default Judgment (PDF) (DOC)

Instructions to Officer Serving This Writ of Possession (PDF) (DOC)

Locating a Person or Business (PDF) (DOC)

Domestic Violence/Harassment Instructions 

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want to get a restraining order against someone." 

Introduction to Guardianship Proceedings - Terms and Definitions 

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want to file for guardianship/custody of a child."

Evictions - Landlords (PDF) (DOC)

Evictions - Tenants 

Instructions to Officer Serving This Writ of Possession 

Request for Change of Address or Boxholder Information Needed for Service of Legal Process (PDF) (DOC)

Notice of Motion, Motion; Memorandum of Points and Authorities; Declaration(s); Order After Hearing (PDF) (DOC

Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Motion to Set Aside Default and Default Judgment 

Civil Harassment Checklist 

Telephone Triage Checklist - "I want to get a restraining order against someone."

How Do I Prepare for My Hearing?

Issues That May Be Addressed 

Domestic Violence/Harassment Instructions (PDF) (DOC)

Manual of Procedure for Processing Default and Uncontested Judgments Pursuant to Family Code Section 2336

"New Program to Help Lighten Legal Paperwork," Antelope Valley Press (Oct. 2, 2004).
Click for more information on the JusticeCorps program.

When Witnesses and Victims Go to Court.  (Click here for Spanish version)

Request to Excuse Notice 

Request and Order to Mail Notice  

Declaration of Proposed Guardian  

Request to End Guardianship  

How to Give Notice.  (Click here for Spanish version)

Changing a Child's Name by Court Order (DRAFT)  

Transferring Property When Someone Dies...   (Click here for Spanish version)

What Happens to Someone's Property When They Die?  (Click here for Spanish version)

I Am Being Sued 

Volunteer Handbook – San Francisco Superior Court Assisting Court Customers with Educational and Self-Help Services (ACCESS) Center  

How can ACCESS help you?  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

How Do I Represent Myself?  

Where Do I Go?  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

No One Deserves to Be Abused: A Guide to Civil Restraining Orders  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

Need to evict a tenant?  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

Are you being evicted?  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

How to Serve (for the person suing)  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

Form 982(a)(17) Instructions  (Click for Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog)

Form 982(a)(18) Instructions  (Click for Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog)

How Do I Represent Myself?  (Click for Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog)

How to use a court interpreter  (Click for Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, and Tagalog)

ACCESS Center Flyer  (Click for Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese)

ACCESS Center Sign-In Sheet  

How do I collect my judgment?  

How do I file a Motion? 

What's Next? Plaintiff Civil Harassment Restraining Order Checklist  

Did You Receive Restraining Order Papers Against You?  

Model Surgeon/Physician Declaration