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Family Court Self-Help Service Center Information
Family Court Self-Help Service Center Entrance, Room 126 Courthouse
Purpose
Ramsey County Second Judicial District Family Court's Self-Help Service Center was established to provide appropriate forms, information, and referrals to pro se parties (parties without attorneys) who are seeking to access the court system. We hope that the Self-Help Service Center will enhance your experience with Family Court and that our assistance with motions will reduce the number of unnecessary delays in court hearings. However, court staff cannot provide legal assistance and cannot act as your attorney. Also, please remember that self-help personnel are not responsible for the outcome of your case nor can they provide legal advice or strategy. If you choose to represent yourself, you will have the same responsibilities as an attorney to follow court rules and procedures to move your case forward.
Location
Family Court's Self-Help Service Center is located in Room 126 of the Ramsey County Courthouse at 15 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Service Center is closed on Fridays.
What to Expect
When you file a motion regarding modifying child support on an existing case or if you want to start a dissolution/divorce action, custody action or similar family court action or motion:
- The Self-Help Service Center can provide you with forms and instructions appropriate to your situation, however, the Center does not have forms for every situation. A fee is charged for form packets: divorce forms are $10.00 and motion packets are $5.00. You may pay by cash, personal check, Visa or Mastercard. Form packets are also available without cost at www.mncourts.gov/forms. Form checklists are available at the Self-Help Service Center. Once you have viewed the video, you will be able to obtain from the Center a motion form or dissolution packet appropriate for your situation. Dissolution packets cost $10.00. Standard motion packets are $5.00. These forms are also available, at no cost, at www.mncourts.gov/forms.
- You may take the forms home to complete or complete them at the Center. However, all appropriate supporting documentation (pay stubs, proof of public assistance, most recent tax returns etc.) will need to be included.
- When you have completed the forms and have attached all appropriate documentation, return the documents to the Self-Help Service Center. You may not return your documents by mail unless you live at least 100 miles outside of the Metro area.
- While you wait, court staff will review your documents for neatness, readability, completeness, and consistency.
- Once your forms have been reviewed and are ready to be submitted for filing with the Court, you will be required to pay a filing fee. See Filing Fee Schedule. Filing fees may be waived by court order if you meet certain financial requirements. Fee waiver forms are available at the Self-Help Service Center. Fee waivers are valid for one year and must be renewed when expired.
- Remember, these services are only available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.
Because we give you and others individual attention, you may need to wait for assistance. Please plan to spend 1-2 hours at the Self-Help Service Center and do not expect to take care of your business in one visit. Also, please remember that self-help personnel are not responsible for the outcome of your case nor can they provide legal advice or strategy.
Legal Clinic
A legal clinic is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. for parties proceeding without attorneys. To schedule an appointment with a volunteer attorney at this legal clinic, call 651-266-2898. For more information, please see our brochure.
Contact
Ramsey County Family Court Self-Help Service Center
Room 126 Ramsey County Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Blvd
St. Paul MN 55102
651-266-2898