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Family Law Facilitator

 Need Help with a Family Law Case?

The Columbia County Family Law Facilitator helps people who are handling family law cases without a lawyer.  

This includes cases like divorce, custody, parenting time, legal separation, and child or spousal support. 

We provide free help to explain court processes, review your forms, and connect you with legal and community resources.  We do not give legal advice. 

 Who We Help

We can help:

  • People with or without income
  • People who do not have a lawyer
  • People who know what kind of case they need to file
  • Both sides in a case
  • People involved in:
    • Divorce (dissolution or marriage)
    • Custody or parenting time
    • Legal separation
    • Temporary orders
    • Protective orders
    • Contempt of Court

 What We Can Do

We can:

  • Help you find and fill out court forms
  • Explain court rules and procedures 
  • Review your forms to make sure they are complete
  • Refer you to legal aid or other services
  • Fill out forms for you if you have trouble reading, writing or understanding legal documents

 What We Cannot Do

We cannot:

  • Give legal advice or tell you what to write
  • Help people who already have a lawyer
  • Keep your information private (we may help both sides)
  • Give one side information we wouldn't give the other

 How to Get Forms

You can get forms in two ways:

  • Buy them at the Circuit Court for 25 cents per page
  • Print them for free from our website under the family law section.

 Appointments

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. 

To schedule an appointment: 

  1. Fill out your forms as much as you can.
  2. Call 503-397-2327 ext. 24025 to schedule.
Appointments are 1 hour long, available Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (except the noon hour and court holidays).

 When You Arrive

  • Check in at the Trial Court Administrator's Front Counter
  • Please do not bring children as this is an important time to focus on your case. 

 Important Notes

  • You are representing yourself.  The court facilitator is not your lawyer.
  • We are here to help, but we cannot give legal advice.
  • You are responsible for your own case and decisions.

 Additional Resources You Might Need