Self-Help Resource Centers

A Self-Help Resource Center (SHRC) is a place where individuals who do not have an attorney can find information and guidance about their legal issues. These individuals are often referred to as self-represented litigants, meaning they are representing themselves in court without a lawyer.


Services include access to court forms, tools to help complete those forms, answers to general questions about court procedures, and assistance preparing for a court appearance. The Self-Help Resource Centers are managed by The Pro Bono Project and staffed by trained volunteers who help individuals navigate the court system. Volunteers can provide court-approved forms and answer basic questions about how the court process works.


When more complex legal issues arise, individuals are provided with information about their available legal options, including how to apply for legal aid or how to find and hire a private attorney.

Domestic Matters

The most common issues for people seeking to represent themselves in state courts are domestic matters.


While individuals (also known as self-represented litigants) are encouraged to have a lawyer represent them, financial limitations sometimes prevent many from securing counsel. Many state courts, including the Louisiana Supreme Court, provide online self-help resources and downloadable court forms on their websites, which individuals can access for additional guidance.  Additional state-wide forms and information are available on Louisiana Law Help.

Self Help Resource Center Domestic Hotline
For Domestic Issues in Orleans or Jefferson Parish


Monday-Friday

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

504-881-1171

Email: selfhelp@probono-no.org


What do volunteers provide SHRC visitors? 

Volunteers can assist visitors to the SHRCs with the completion of court approved forms. Volunteers do not give legal advice, but assist visitors with access to legal forms, information, and referrals. If you would like to volunteer at our Self-Help Resource Centers, contact us.  If you are looking for legal information, call our hotline.

  • What is not provided to SHRC visitors?

    The Pro Bono Project and its volunteers do not provide legal advice to the public. Information on our website, at the Self-Help Resource Center (SHRC), and through its hotline—including any forms, files, or links—is intended only as general information and guidance for self-represented litigants. It should not be considered legal advice.


    The Pro Bono Project cannot answer questions about how this information applies to a specific case. Individuals seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified attorney.


    These materials do not create or limit any legal rights and should not be cited in court filings; parties should rely on the applicable laws and court rules.

  • What is a Self-Represented Litigant?

    People who represent themselves in court without a lawyer are called Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs), also sometimes called pro se litigants.  Under the law, a SRL is held to the same standards and duties as an attorney admitted to the practice of law in the state of Louisiana.  A Self-Represented Litigant is presumed to know the law. This means that a SRL is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish this in accordance with the appropriate statues and court rules.


    The Self-Help Resource Center provides SRLs with legal information & court-approved forms. No legal advice is provided.

  • How do I provide feedback on my experience at a SHRC?

    We appreciate your feedback.  Contact selfhelp@probono-no.org. 

Orleans Civil District Court Self-Help Resource Center

Self-Help
Resource Centers

Orleans CDC

421 Loyola Avenue, 1st Floor

New Orleans, Louisiana 70112


Monday | 9:00AM-NOON

Wednesday | 9:00AM-NOON

Friday | 9:00AM-NOON

Orleans CDC Self Help Desk

The Orleans Parish Civil District Court Self-Help Resource Center is an operation of The Pro Bono Project, in partnership with the court and the clerk's office, and with funding from the Louisiana Bar Foundation.


The Self-Help Resource Center is a volunteer-driven service, offering court-approved forms and legal information to self-represented litigants in domestic (family law) matters. The center normally operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, excepting court holidays. Visitors must be signed in by 11:30 a.m. in order to receive service the same day. The Self-Help Resource Center is not a notary service, and volunteers will notarize only the court-approved forms available at the center.


The Self-Help Resource Center is not able to provide legal advice or representation, but can provide referral resources for those seeking legal advice or representation.

Bankruptcy Matters

In federal bankruptcy court, self-represented filers often file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13  bankruptcy protection. 


The Pro Bono Project operates a SHRC at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana to assist self-represented filers with the completion of bankruptcy petitions and schedules, to help guide filers through the court’s new Electronic Self-Representation (eSR) system, and to help visitors, before they file, receive information on referrals for attorneys or other legal resources.