D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Training: Family Court Self-Help Center Volunteer Training Session

Topics:
  • Legal Skills
  • Family / DV
  • Children

The D.C. Family Court Self-Help Center is a free walk-in service that provides unrepresented people with general legal information in a variety of family law matters. Volunteer attorneys have an opportunity to provide pro se litigants with brief information on matters in the Domestic Relations and Paternity & Support Branches of the Family Court of D.C. Superior Court. This is a great opportunity for attorneys to provide direct pro bono legal services to individual pro se litigants while making a predictable time commitment.

The Family Court Self-Help Center training will cover:

  • Family Court Self-Help Center Operations
  • An Overview of D.C. Family Law
  • FAQs in Divorce, Custody and Child Support Cases
  • Giving Legal Information vs. Legal Advice
  • Legal Resources in Family Law Matters 

Important Information:

  • No particular expertise is required to participate 
  • A family law expert from the Family Court Self-Help staff is on-site during each session to assist volunteers
  • This training is appropriate for attorneys only
  • Malpractice insurance is not provided by the D.C. Superior Court or the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center to attorneys who volunteer at the Family Court Self Help Center

Sponsors: D.C. Superior Court
Co-Sponsors: Family Law Community, Litigation Community, and D.C. Affairs Community

Requirements: Trainees will be asked to commit to volunteering for three morning or afternoon shifts at the Center within approximately six months.