Self Help Legal Resource Center

Deann Matson, Coordinator
Berrien County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
811 Port Street  St. Joseph, MI 49085

Phone: 269-983-7111 Ext. 8790
 Email:   selfhelp

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m (Closed 12:00 - 1:00)

Map & Driving Directions

The Self-Help Legal Resource Center was opened on April 20, 2009, and is designed to make information and forms more readily available to those who wish to represent themselves in court proceedings. Although legal advice cannot be given, staff and volunteers are pleased to assist patrons with the procedural steps involved in filing court documents.

 Services Provided

• Do It Yourself Divorce Packets
• Child Custody Packets
• Child/Spousal Support Modification
• Parenting Time
• Friend of the Court Opting Out
• Objection to Referee’s Recommended Order
• Paternity Motions/Serafin
• Personal Protection Orders
• Landlord/Tenant
• Small Claims
• Garnishments
• Probating Estates less than $20,000
• Guardianship (Incapacitated Adult and Minor)
• Conservatorship
• Name Change
• Attorney Grievance
• Expungement
• Brochures/Handbooks

About the Self-Help Center

We Can:

• Explain and answer questions about how the court works
• Provide referrals to attorneys or other resources
• Provide general information about court rules, procedures and practices
• Provide information about court scheduling
• Provide court forms and instructions on how to get forms
• Answer questions about court filing
• Check court forms and papers for completeness

We Cannot:

• Give legal advice
• Determine if a case should be brought to court
• Advise what wording to use on court forms or paper
• Advise what to say in court
• Give an opinion about what will happen in court
• Speak to the judge about a case
• Change an order signed by a judge

Costs:

While the assistance given at the Self-Help Legal Resource Center is free of charge, there is a small fee associated with some of the forms and copies.

• Copies – $0.25 per page
• Divorce Packet w/Children – $10.00
• Divorce packet wo/Children – $6.00
• Custody Packet For Unmarried Couples – $6.00
• Single Sheet Forms – No Charge
• Small Claims and Landlord/Tenant Forms – $0.50
• Friend of the Court Motions – No Charge
• Personal Protection Order – No Charge
• Probate Forms – No Charge