IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FLORIDA, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR FLAGLER, PUTNAM, ST. JOHNS AND VOLUSIA COUNTIES

WHEREAS, the Supreme Court of Florida adopted Rule 12.750, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, which authorizes chief judges to establish self-help programs to facilitate access to family courts, and

WHEREAS, statistics show that a large percentage of family law case filings in Florida involve at least one self represented litigant, and

WHEREAS,  the undersigned believes that the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court should take steps to ensure that it is accessible, convenient, understandable and affordable to the citizens of the circuit;

NOW THEREFORE, I,  ROBERT K. ROUSE, JR., Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, hereby authorize the establishment of a Family Self-Help Program within the Family Court Services Division of the Court Administrator’s Office.  Said program shall be located within the counties of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, as funding for such programs becomes available.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED as follows:

1. The Self-Help Program shall assist self represented litigants obtain fair and efficient resolutions to their family law  cases. Family law cases include those categories of cases enumerated in the administrative order establishing a Family Law Division.  Services provided by program staff shall be in accordance with Rule 12.750(c), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.  Program services shall be made available to all self represented litigants in family law cases, regardless of income, unless otherwise provided by law.

2. The Self-Help Program shall coordinate with Central Florida Legal Services, Clerks of Court, County Bar Associations, Law Libraries, and other related agencies to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the program.  Said coordination is also necessary to ensure the provision of available pro bono and low cost legal services to self represented litigants.  

3. In addition to those services mentioned above, the Self-Help Program may provide information, instructions, and other services regarding approved forms as outlined in Rule 12.750(b)(5), (c)(3-6), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

4. The disclaimer entitled “Notice of Limitation of Services Provided” (see Rule 12.750(h), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure) shall be posted in each Self-Help Program office.