Our Self Help 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  Self Help, low cost attorney consultation appointments for the above mentioned cases. Please see below for more detailed information.

Please note: Any documents that need to be signed by the Court, such as an Order, Judgment, Default, etc. must be submitted directly to the Judge assigned to your case. You can do this in one of the following ways:

  • File through the Florida E-Portal at www.myflcourtaccess.com.
  • Visit the 18th Judicial Circuit website at www.flcourts18.org to locate your assigned Judge and review their Policies and Procedures for submission.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

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 Self Help 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?

  • Yes, an appointment is required. To schedule one, please click here to book online. If you need additional assistance please contact our office at 407-665-4300 or email us atprose-shc@seminoleclerk.org.

What if I cannot afford the fees to see the Self Help Attorney?

Where can I find forms?

  • Forms related to the Self Help 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 Self Help available?

  • The Self Help resources are 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Contact Self Help

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
    Sanford, FL 32772

Office Hours

  • Monday thru Friday 8AM-4:30PM
  • Attorney Consultation Appointments: Wednesdays 8am to 4pm.
  • Orange County Bar Association: Wednesdays 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Evictions

Evictions – File Online

Guided experience for creating and e-filing the official court forms for an evictions case – powered by LEGALATOMS. 

For quick and easy filing, click here to be routed to LegalAtoms, Inc. to file your evictions case online for Seminole County Clerk of Court & Comptroller.

*** Our public computers located at our locations are unable to download documents from any external devices, drives, cloud applications, or email. Therefore, you will be unable to use LegalAtoms online filing portal from our public computers in any of our locations. If trying to file into a new or existing evictions case in office, you will be directed to a Customer Care Clerk for a paper filing or redirected to our website, LegalAtoms, or ePortal to file and upload your documents from your own computer. 

Packets

Forms

Small Claims

What is Small Claims Court?

Forms

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

Simplified Dissolution of Marriage

Probate

18TH Judicial Circuit Checklist

The following links direct to both Seminole and Brevard County content, and that information is per Florida statute, please be sure to review each checklist or form prior to use.

Forms

Electronically File Court Documents With DIY Florida!
Resources
Website by Tyler Paxton