16 verified resources.
Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.
California handles custody in superior courts across all 58 counties. The Department of Child Support Services runs enforcement through local child support agencies (LCSAs) in every county. Los Angeles County operates the largest family court system in the US. Major metros include LA, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, and Sacramento. LA County's LAFLA, Bay Area Legal Aid, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego are the largest legal aid programs.
Official statewide self-help portal covering SAPCR filings, parenting plan forms (FL-311, FL-341, FL-355), and step-by-step custody guides. All Judicial Council forms free to download. Covers joint vs. sole legal and physical custody distinctions, how to file in your county court, and what to expect at hearings. An essential starting point for any California parent navigating custody without an attorney.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Full text of California's custody statutes including the best-interest standard (§3011), parental preference hierarchy (§3040), and mandatory mediation requirement (§3170). Essential reading for fathers preparing for court. Covers relocation rules, domestic violence presumptions, and grandparent visitation rights. Free access via the California Legislative Information website — searchable and printable for court preparation.
Online 24/7 · Visit Website
Free walk-in assistance for custody, visitation, paternity, and parenting plan cases in Los Angeles County. Largest family law self-help program in California. Staff help you complete Judicial Council forms including FL-300 motions and FL-311 parenting plans. No appointment needed. Bring your case number if you have one. Located at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Room B-96.
(213) 974-9759 · 500 W. Temple St., Room B-96, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM · Visit Website
Unified Family Court self-help hub for custody petitions, visitation motions, and mediation orientation in San Francisco. ACCESS Center provides live helpline and in-person assistance with Judicial Council forms. Bilingual staff available. Call the helpline Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings before visiting in person. Bring ID, any existing court orders, and the other parent's contact information.
(415) 551-0605 · 400 McAllister St., Room 509, San Francisco, CA 94102 · Helpline: Mon, Tue, Thu 8-11 AM · Visit Website
Free family law facilitator services for custody petitions, visitation orders, and parenting plan forms in San Diego County. Multiple locations including El Cajon and Vista. Staff explain procedures, help complete forms, and review paperwork before filing. No income requirement. Bring copies of any existing orders, proof of address, and the other parent's information. Same-day form review available during walk-in hours.
(619) 450-5200 · 1100 Union St., 4th Floor, Room 480, San Diego, CA 92101 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM · Visit Website
Free self-help services for custody petitions, visitation, parenting plans, and paternity at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse in Sacramento. Staff help complete Judicial Council family law forms and explain filing procedures. Closed on Friday afternoons. Call ahead to confirm wait times. Bring valid ID, existing court orders, and the other parent's full legal name and address.
(916) 875-3400 · 3341 Power Inn Rd., Room 113, Sacramento, CA 95826 · Mon-Thu 8:30 AM-4:00 PM; Fri 8:30 AM-12:00 PM · Visit Website
Free in-person custody and visitation assistance at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange County. Family Law Facilitator and Self-Help Center are co-located on the 7th floor — no appointment needed. Staff help complete custody petitions, visitation requests, and parenting plan forms. Bring existing court orders and the other parent's contact details. Spanish-speaking staff available during most business hours.
(657) 622-5500 · 341 The City Dr. South, 7th Floor, Orange, CA 92868 · Mon-Thu 8-4; Fri 8-3 · Visit Website
Court-based mediation for contested custody and visitation cases in San Francisco. Bilingual mediators available. Parties with domestic violence history are seen separately under strict safety protocols. Mediators are licensed mental health professionals. Mediation is required before any custody hearing. Call to schedule your orientation appointment. Email fcsmediation@sfcourt.org for availability.
(415) 551-3900 · 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102 · Mon-Fri, call to schedule · Visit Website
National fathers' rights law firm with California offices in Sacramento and San Jose. Handles custody litigation, parenting plan negotiations, emergency custody motions, and order modifications. Attorneys focus exclusively on representing men and fathers in family court. Free initial consultations available by phone or in person. Call the Sacramento office at (916) 999-1500 to discuss your situation.
(916) 999-1500 · 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 2120, Sacramento, CA 95814 · Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website
Free self-help assistance for custody petitions, visitation motions, and family law forms in Alameda County. Walk-in and virtual appointments both available. Staff help you fill out Judicial Council forms and understand the filing process at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. Bring any existing court orders, the other parent's address, and valid ID. Interpretation services available on request.
(510) 891-6057 · 1225 Fallon St., Oakland, CA 94612 · Mon-Fri 8:30-4:00 · Visit Website
Free assistance with custody, visitation, and parenting plan forms for self-represented litigants in Riverside County. Family Law Facilitator staff review completed forms, explain court procedures, and identify any missing documents. Located at the Riverside Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Bring valid ID, the other parent's contact information, and any previous court orders. No income requirement to use the service.
(951) 777-3147 · 4175 Main St., Riverside, CA 92501 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website
Free family law self-help center for custody, paternity, and visitation in San Bernardino County. Walk-in available at multiple courthouses including San Bernardino, Victorville, and Rancho Cucamonga. Staff assist with Judicial Council forms, filing procedures, and court prep. Spanish-speaking staff available. Bring ID, any prior orders, and the other parent's information. No attorney or income requirement needed to use the service.
(909) 521-3500 · 351 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website
Free custody and family law assistance at the Family Justice Center in San Jose. Self-help workshops and one-on-one form assistance for Santa Clara County residents. Staff help complete custody petitions, parenting plan forms, and paternity paperwork. Group workshops offered on rotating topics. Bring ID, any existing court orders, and the other parent's contact details. Primarily serves self-represented litigants.
(408) 882-2900 · 161 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95113 · Mon-Fri 8:30-4 · Visit Website
Free legal information and forms assistance for custody and visitation cases in Fresno County, serving Central Valley families. Facilitator staff help with custody petitions, parenting plan forms, and visitation motions. Spanish-speaking staff available. Located at the Fresno County Superior Court on O Street downtown. Walk-in during business hours. Bring existing court orders, both parents' contact details, and valid ID.
(559) 457-1600 · 1130 O St., Fresno, CA 93721 · Mon-Fri 8-4 · Visit Website
Advocacy organization supporting fathers' rights in California custody cases. Provides resources, legal referrals, and community support for dads navigating family court. Campaigns for parental equality and shared parenting presumption in California. Online forums connect fathers facing similar legal challenges. Use the website to find local CA chapter contacts, legal aid referrals, and advocacy tools for your case.
Online resources 24/7 · Visit Website
Free family law self-help center for custody, visitation, and paternity cases in Contra Costa County. Walk-in assistance at the Family Law courthouse in Martinez. Staff help with Judicial Council forms, court filing procedures, and hearing preparation. Call (510) 374-3270 to confirm current walk-in hours before visiting. Bring ID, existing orders, and the other parent's contact information. No income threshold required.
(510) 374-3270 · 751 Pine St., Martinez, CA 94553 · Mon-Fri 8:30-4 · Visit Website