Family Forms Clinic FAQ’s
What is the Family Forms Clinic?
The Family Forms Clinic is a free program that uses volunteer attorneys to help people who do not have an attorney complete Hillsborough County’s court-approved family law forms and packets.
Who qualifies for the Family Forms Clinic?
The Clinic services are available to anyone who is or will be a party in a FAMILY LAW CASE in Hillsborough County.
How much do the services cost?
The Family Forms Clinic is a free program.
When is the Family Forms Clinic open?
The hours of the Family Forms Clinic vary depending on the availability of the volunteer attorneys. Please call (813) 864-2280, option 2 to listen to a recording that will give you information and current walk-in hours. Please call this recording the day you plan to come to the clinic in order to verify the walk-in hours.
Where is the Family Forms Clinic located?
Room 210 of the Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointments can be scheduled. The volunteers are available to help you only in person during walk-in hours -- first come, first served. You must sign in and wait to be called. The clinic may close early if it becomes full, and there is no guarantee everyone who signs up will meet with a volunteer.
Can the attorney fill out my forms and give me legal advice?
The volunteers cannot determine whether you are using the correct forms and cannot suggest what you should write on the forms. The volunteers cannot represent you in court or give you legal advice. The Clinic volunteers cannot help you with family law forms from another county or state. The volunteers will not complete financial affidavits, parenting plans, child support guidelines worksheets and marital settlement agreements.
What should I bring with me to the Family Forms Clinic?
Pro se litigants coming to the Family Forms Clinic must bring a black pen and their packet of Hillsborough County family law forms. If modifying a court order, bring a copy of the court order you want modified.
What should I not bring with me to the Family Forms Clinic?
Please do not bring children to the clinic.
Should I visit the Legal Information Center before utilizing the services of the Family Forms Clinic?
Yes, it is strongly suggested that you visit the Legal Information Center before going to the Family Forms Clinic to make sure you are using the correct packet.
Does the Legal Information Center offer bilingual assistance?
No, please bring someone with you who can translate.
Who operates and funds the Family Forms Clinic?
The Family Forms Clinic is operated by the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Bay Area Legal Services
Legal Information Center FAQ’s
What is the Legal Information Center?
The Legal Information Center is a program to provide information to people who are representing themselves in family law cases in Hillsborough County. Family law cases include divorce & equitable distribution, paternity, timesharing, parental responsibility, custody, child support, alimony, adoption, name change cases, and domestic violence civil injunctions, but NOT cases like guardianship, probate, foreclosures, criminal, or any appeals. We cannot assist you with any cases that are not Family Law or any out of county or out of state cases. An attorney is available during walk-in hours to give information about Family Law forms and procedures.
Who qualifies for the Legal Information Center?
Anyone who is not represented by an attorney and who is or will be a party in a family law case in Hillsborough County.
What types of cases are not covered by the Legal Information Center?
Any cases that are not Hillsborough County family law cases (for example: criminal, traffic, expungement, guardianship, trusts, probate, real property, foreclosures, landlord/tenant, civil suits, vehicle titles, appeals, bankruptcy, Federal cases, out of county or out of state cases).
When is the Legal Information Center open?
The Legal Information Center hours change each day. Call 813-864-2280 (option #1) to listen to a recording that gives information and daily walk-in hours.
How much does this cost?
The services of the Legal Information Center are provided free of charge.
Where is the Legal Information Center located?
Room 101 of the Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No, the attorney assists people on a first-come, first-serve basis. When you arrive, print your name on the sign-in sheet and take a “Notice of Limitation of Services Provided” form.
Can the attorney fill out my forms and give me legal advice?
No. The Legal Information Center follows the rules set forth in Florida Family Law Rule of Procedure 12.750 which does not allow staff to complete forms for you, represent you in court, or give you legal advice. The attorney can give you information about the forms and the legal process so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Who operates and funds the Legal Information Center?
The Legal Information Center is operated by Bay Area Legal Services, a non-profit law firm. Funding for this program is provided by: TECO Energy and the law firms of Holland & Knight and Carlton Fields