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The Dorothy Guess Self Help Center

Our Self Help Center is designed to offer self-represented parties (pro-se parties) resources and ministerial assistance for small claims, landlord tenant evictions, family law and probate estate cases (formal and summary administration only).

We also offer through the Self Help Center, low cost attorney consultation appointments for the above mentioned cases. Please see below for more detailed information.

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • Where is the Self Help Center located?
    • Located at the Criminal Justice Center
      101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, Florida 32773

  • Where are the Attorney Consultation Appointments held?
    • The attorneys will appear virtually through Microsoft Teams. You will be given instructions on how to attend the appointment virtually as well. If you do not have access to the internet, please call 407-665-4300 for further assistance. 
  • What does “Pro Se” or “Self-Represented” Litigant mean?
    • A person who appears in court on their own behalf without the representation of a lawyer.
  • What services are currently available?
    • Low cost Attorney Consultations
    • Computers equipped to perform legal research, free of charge
    • Availability to purchase Circuit or State Approved Law Forms
  • What cases can the Self Help Center assist with?
    • Family Law, Small Claims, Landlord/Tenant Evictions and Probate Estates (Formal and Summary Administration)
  • Do you provide Attorneys to come with me/represent me in Court?
    • No. However, you can consult with an attorney for guidance on the process, assistance with forms, and to answer some of the legal questions you may have.
  • Is an appointment for attorney consultation necessary? If so, how can I make an appointment?
    • An appointment is not necessary, however, if you would like to schedule an appointment please contact our office at 407-665-4300 or by email: prose-shc@seminoleclerk.org
  • What if I cannot afford the fees to see the Self Help Center Attorney?
  • Where can I find forms?
    • Forms related to the Self Help Center can be obtained by viewing the Evictions, Small Claims, Family Law and Probate sections on this page.
    • Forms related to other case types can be found by clicking here.
    • Note: Forms can be obtained by visiting one of the four locations listed in the section below for a fee of $.15 cents per page or through our website for free.
  • When is the Self Help Center open?
    • The Self Help Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM
    • The Attorney Consultation Appointments are currently available on Wednesday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and in Spanish on Thursday afternoons from 12:30pm – 4:30pm.
    • To find more information on the Clerk’s office operation hours and holidays, click here.
Attorney Consultations
  • What cases can the Attorney assist with?
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
      • Paternity
      • Name Change
      • Temporary or Concurrent Custody by Extended Family
      • Modifications (including child support, alimony, & time-sharing)
      • Contempt/Enforcement
    • Evictions
      • Landlord/Tenant (Residential Only)
      • Unlawful Detainers
      • Tenant Rights
      • Procedural Assistance
    • Small Claims
      • Procedural Assistance
      • Statement of Claim
      • Replevin
      • Garnishments
    • Probate Estates (Formal and Summary Administration)
  • Services that the Attorney offers
    • Explain general legal terminology that is applicable to you
    • Procedural assistance and Guidance on your next steps.
    • Forms review assistance
      • NOTE: You must provide the forms. Forms can be obtained by visiting one of the four locations listed in the section below for a fee of $.15 cents per page or through our website for free.
    • REMINDER: As a Pro-Se litigant, you are representing yourself and the attorney consultation appointments are designed to provide you assistance on procedures, forms and next steps. The attorneys you speak with through this service will not attend court with you, nor will they be able to represent you.
  • Pricing
    • All fees collected for each appointment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
    • Appointments must be scheduled in 15-minute increments up to 1 hour maximum per appointment day.
    • $1 per minute. Base rate: $15 = 15 minutes of time with Attorney
    • Payment must be received at the time of scheduling the appointment or within 48 hours when scheduling by phone or email.
  • How to make an appointment online?
  • Forms of Payment accepted
    • All fees collected for each appointment are non-refundable and non-transferable.
    • Cash
    • Credit/Debit Card online and in-person (Please Note: There will be a 3.5% convenience fee to process card payments)
    • Money orders/cashier checks
    • Payment must be made within 48 hours of the request to secure the appointment.
  • How to use Microsoft Teams
  • Online Self Help Center Brochure
  • Online Self Help Center Brochure – Spanish
  • Online Self Help Flyer
Contact The Self Help Center
  • In Person
    • Criminal Justice Center
      101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, Florida 32773

  • By Phone or via E-Mail
  • By Mail
    • P.O. Box 8099
      Attn: Self Help Center
      Sanford, FL 32772
  • Office Hours
    • Monday thru Friday 8AM-4:30PM
    • Attorney Consultation Appointments: Wednesdays 8am to 4pm and Thursday afternoons 12:30-4:30pm
      • Orange County Bar Association: Wednesdays 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Family Law
  • You will be redirected to the Florida 18th Judicial Circuit Family Law Self Help website for the following types of cases and actions:
    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
    • Paternity
    • Supplemental Petition for Modification
    • Petition for Temporary or Concurrent Custody by Extended Family
    • Name Changes
    • Adoptions
    • Motion for contempt
    • Diligent Search
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