It wasn’t until she began the work of helping nonlawyers represent themselves that Sherri learned that, despite the available resources, people enmeshed in family courts have the greatest need for assistance. This seeming paradox stems from several factors:
- The equitable nature of family court actions, which allows judges a lot of discretion,
- The parties themselves, who may be using the courts for less than proper purposes, and
- Judges, who may not be trained or motivated to discern when their courtrooms are being used for improper purposes.
Certainly these dynamics can be present in cases other than in the family courts, but because they are so prevalent in family court matters that do not resolve quickly and cooperatively, and because the stakes are often quite high, we give these matters high priority.
In addition to the resources listed and linked on this page, we also offer materials and support for when you are preparing for or engaged in divorce/dissolution, child custody, and support issues.