Where can I find the official California Judicial Council family law forms, and how do I get help filling them out?

You can find official California Judicial Council family law forms on the California Courts website, and you can get free help completing them from your local court's Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center. Here is a step-by-step guide to finding and getting help with your forms: Step 1: Find the Forms Online Go to the official California Courts website (www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm). You can search for forms by form number (e.g., FL-100 for a Petition for Dissolution) or by keyword (e.g., "divorce" or "child custody"). Download the fillable PDF versions of the forms you need. Step 2: Identify Your Local Court's Self-Help Resources Each California Superior Court has a Family Law Facilitator and a Self-Help Center as required by law. Find your local county court's website to get the specific location, hours of operation, and contact information for these free services. Search for terms like "Family Law Facilitator" or "Self-Help Center" on the court's site. Step 3: Prepare Your Information Before contacting the court for help, gather all necessary information. This includes the full legal names and birthdates of all parties and children, dates of marriage and separation, and any relevant financial documents. Make a list of your specific questions about the forms. Step 4: Contact the Self-Help Center or Facilitator Visit or call the Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center during their operating hours. Some courts may offer appointments, workshops, or virtual assistance. Bring your partially completed forms and your list of questions. They can review your paperwork to ensure it is filled out correctly and explain the filing process. Important Details and Nuances: The Family Law Facilitator and Self-Help Center staff are neutral assistants. They can provide legal information, explain procedures, and help you complete your forms. However, they are not your lawyer, do not represent you, and everything you discuss with them is not confidential. Their services are limited to procedural assistance. Warnings and Limitations: Court staff cannot give you legal advice or tell you what strategy to take in your case. If your case involves complex issues such as significant assets, business valuation, domestic violence, or a contested custody dispute, the assistance provided by the court may not be sufficient. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney to understand your rights and options.