2018 State of the Court

STATE OF THE COURT REPORT | 2018 EDITION

FAMILY LAW FORMS ASSISTANT

In 2018, SBCSC launched a public computer-lab with access to the Family Law Forms Assistant (FLFA) at the Historic Courthouse. Introduced in 2017, the FLFA is an online program that allows litigants to modify and submit their child custody, visitation, child support or spousal support orders over the internet for review by self-help center staff without having to wait in-line for services. The public computer lab allows litigants the same convenience as those with direct access to a computer, and as a result, reduces wait times for those requiring in-person consultations. EXPANDED SERVICES On January 12, 2018, SBCSC opened a resource center at the Big Bear Courthouse. Residents of the Big Bear Valley can receive assistance on family law, child support, guardianship, landlord- tenant (eviction) and small claims matters on the fourth Friday of every month. SBCSC has collaborated with the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) since 2015, offering one-on-one sessions to explain child support procedures and answer questions. In 2018, SBCSC expanded services to family law litigants by offering workshops to increase the availability of services and reach a greater audience at the DCSS Ontario and Victorville offices. During these workshops SBCSC staff answer questions about child support procedures and processes, and assist litigants with form completion. NEW PARTNERSHIPS In January 2018, SBCSC began partnering with the Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), a statewide, not-for-profit legal services and advocacy organization, that offers free financial wellness workshops for the public. Workshops provide legal information to the public on a wide variety of topics, including debt collection and credit, and how to keep your home and avoid foreclosure.

2018 SBCSC SELF-HELP STATISTICS

Total Incidents of Self- Help Services Provided to Court Customers

66,072

46,034 Provided Information or Referral

17,589 In-Person Assistance

2,449 Over the Telephone Assistance

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT (SBCSC)

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