Domestic Relations Self-Help Desk
The CARPLS’ Domestic Relations Self-Help Desk was launched in 2001 as an effort to address the legal needs of the growing number of pro se litigants within the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court. The Desk is located on the 30th floor of the Richard J. Daley Center , and is designed to help pro se litigants help themselves by providing information and advice on how to more effectively navigate the family court system. The Desk also assists clients with the drafting of simple family law pleadings and provides legal aid referrals when available to clients with more complex family law matters. At its current staffing levels, the Desk is capable of serving up to 20 pro se clients a day or more than 3,500 clients annually. The Desk is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Appointments are made on a first come first service basis. Services at the Desk are free to low-income residents of Cook County .
“The Domestic Relations Division relies greatly upon the assistance your organization provides to the pro se litigants who appear in our courtrooms. Your work has advanced the delivery of justice to pro se litigants; it has reduced the frustration which pro se litigants experience in dealing with the justice system. It has further expedited the delivery of legal services by our courts, increased its economies and hastened the resolution of disputes between litigants. Please permit me to commend CARPLS for the incalculable service you provide to the people you serve and to our court.”
- Moshe Jacobius
Presiding Judge Domestic Relations Division, Circuit Court of Cook County
CARPLS deeply appreciates the contributions of the many individuals and organizations which have led to the success of this project. In particular, CARPLS would like to thank Judge Moshe Jacobius for his ongoing support and guidance; CARPLS Supervising Attorney, Susan Craven, for her expertise and commitment; and the following foundations and law firms for their continued generosity: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, Chicago Bar Foundation, Chicago Area Foundation for Legal Services, Jenner & Block; Nadler, Pritikin & Mirabelli; Nottage & Ward and Rinella & Rinella.