12-Hour Program

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Overview

Why you should attend

Millions of Californians are unrepresented in Family Court matters (estimated 80% of litigants are unrepresented). Low-income clients are in desperate need of your pro bono help. Attend this free PLI program and volunteer with your local legal services agency to represent low-income Family law litigants in need.  With a limited time commitment, you can help obtain essential legal protections needed for survivors and their children to build a safe life free of abuse!

What you will learn

  • Introduction to Family Law
    Overview of both substantive and procedural issues in Family law, including basic principles of dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and community property, as well as basic procedures for filing documents, preparing for hearings, and negotiating with the opposing party.
  • Motions Practice in Family Law Cases
    A basic introduction to procedural steps to obtaining immediate orders (including judicial council forms, Family law hearings, etc) and how to handle Family law court hearings.
  • Basic Introduction to Child Custody and Visitation
    A basic introduction to obtaining child custody and visitation orders (including motions, Family Court Services and hearing practice).
  • Obtaining Child and Spousal Support in Low-Income Family Law Cases
    A basic introduction to child and spousal support in low-income Family law cases, including: substantive basis for child and spousal support; procedural steps to obtaining orders (ex motion forms, declarations, supporting evidence and Income and Expense Declaration); working with the Department of Child Support Services; and how to handle support hearing.
  • Property Issues in Low-Income Family Law Cases
    A basic introduction to property issues in Family law cases including: Identifying Community and Separate Property Assets and Debts; mandatory disclosures and forms; a general summary of formal discovery (note, this is session will not provide extensive training on discovery); and distribution of assets and debts.
  • Using California Family Law Judicial Council Forms
    A detailed summary of using California Judicial Council forms in Family law cases - from initial filings all the way through to Judgment. Note that the training does not cover marital settlement agreements or trial briefs.

Who should attend

Any California licensed attorney interested in providing pro bono assistance to low-income Family law cases (whether limited scope Family law matters or full representation in a dissolution matter).  This training is designed for new attorneys and attorneys who are interested in transitioning to Family law practice.  
 

Credit Details