For people who choose to represent themselves in a family law case, the task of filing the petition and all the subsequent motions and responses can be quite daunting. Fortunately, Fulton Countyhas a Family Law Information Center ("FLIC") to help people in this position. According to its website, the FLIC assists people"who wish to represent themselves in domestic legal matters or educate themselves about domestic issues." There is no requirement that a person is unable to afford an attorney - the FLIC is opento anyone who desires assistance.
The FLIC provides packets with legal forms and instructions in almost all family law areas including divorce, name change, legitimation, contempt, child support modification, visitation,paternity establishment, and separation agreements. It should be noted that the staff in the office are not attorneys and, thus, cannot offer any legal advice as to how to fill out the forms oranswer any other legal questions. However, if you do have questions or need further help, they can schedule a free 30-minute consultation for you with an attorney. You can then make the decisionas to whether you want to continue pro se, or retain an attorney to represent you.
Though the Family Law Information Center is associated with Fulton County, the forms available on its website may be helpful to those who choose to represent themselves in family law matters inother Georgia counties. If you choose to use these forms as a starting point, please keep in mind that that the rules and procedures for each county, and even for each Judge, may differ. Thus, itis prudent to check with the Judge's law clerk to ensure that you have filed everything necessary for your case.