Family Law Articles Open/Close Family Law Articles

America Family Law Center FAQs

Below is a list of questions and answers to address topics or questions people may have about America Family Law Center. This list is not all-inclusive, but it is a good start to getting a fundamental understanding of the organization. If you have additional questions, please contact the organization for further information.

What is America Family Law Center’s mission?

America Family Law Center strives to enhance the lives of children and families through education, assistance, and access to justice.  For more information, see our Mission Page.

Is America Family Law Center a nonprofit?

Yes. America Family Law Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization.  For more information, see the Mission Page.

What does America Family Law Center do?

America Family Law Center provides Assisted Pro Se services to help families resolve family-related situations. Call for more information or see the Services Page.

What is Pro Se?

Pro Se means “on one’s own behalf.” The Texas Access to Justice Commission (TAJC) defines Assisted Pro Se service as “helping self-represented litigants help themselves with limited assistance from lawyers.” Being Pro Se does not mean you cannot work with an attorney to get sound legal advice about your situation or case. A self-represented litigant is another term that typically means the same thing as Pro Se. Consult an attorney for legal advice for your specific case or situation.

Why does America Family Law Center exist?

Many people with family law situations and family law legal matters cannot find resources to help them, cannot afford to hire a traditional attorney, and do not receive free legal aid – America Family Law Center strives to help these people. For clients who need help with a legal matter, America Family Law Center, through its Assisted Pro Se services, has attorneys who can provide legal guidance and advice so these clients can better understand their rights, what they may and may not do, and navigate their legal matter to a better resolution. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Does America Family Law Center follow ABA rules or guidance?

When America Family Law Center was founded, it was modeled using the same guiding principles that are fundamental to the American Bar Association (ABA) Standard for the Provision of Civil Legal Aid. America Family Law Center tracks closely with the ABA on limited-scope representation (see ABA Standard 3.4), legal advice (see ABA Standard 3.4-1 & 3.4-2), and assistance to pro-se or self-represented litigants (see ABA Standard 3.5) in family law matters and incorporates this with the effective use of technology (see ABA Standard 2.10). Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Does America Family Law Center provide free services?

America Family Law Center provides referrals to many free resources. America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se service is a fee-based service. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Since America Family Law Center is a nonprofit, does that mean its services are free?

It is a common misconception that all services provided by a nonprofit are free.  America Family Law Center operates a direct-payer model, which allows it to provide clients with much greater value for a nominal fee. Public colleges and universities are nonprofit, but they are not free. The National Football League (NFL) is a nonprofit, but we don’t get to attend football games for free. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

How do people find their way to contact America Family Law Center?

People find America Family Law Center primarily through referrals, online, and flyers. Many people are referred to America Family Law Center by family or friends who have used the service or are familiar with the organization. America Family Law Center has many former happy clients. In addition, people may find the organization online or by picking up a flyer from any one of many locations.

Why does America Family Law Center have various programs?

Like many nonprofit organizations, America Family Law Center has various programs that often focus on different needs, interests or segments of the community. Some churches, for example, often have various programs (for youth, for new members, for single parents, for missionaries, etc.). Much about how programs operate and engage with the community has changed since COVID. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Why does America Family Law Center list phone numbers at different locations?

America Family Law Center has been around for a long time and strives to help people as much as possible. Over years it has established local phone numbers in various areas to help people avoid long-distance charges. None of the organization’s locations are open to the public. The Assisted Pro Se service is strictly an online services offered via phone, text and internet.

Can I come into America Family Law Center’s office?

No. Since COVID, America Family Law Center’s offices have not been open to the public. The organization conveniently provides all services by phone, text and online.

Will I have to approve or sign any documents before becoming a client of America Family Law Center?

Yes. America Family Law Center is very transparent about its service and any fees it charges. This is described in documents that you are encouraged to read and required to approve before using services. As part of America Family Law Center’s intake and enrollment process, every applicant must approve and electronically sign various documents containing terms of service, understanding of services, and other items before they are allowed to enroll as a client. America Family Law Center strives to be sure that every applicant understands what the organization’s services do and do not include. America Family Law Center’s online enrollment process will not allow an applicant to enroll as a client without going through the required enrollment process. A client’s documents will be available in a secure portal, similar to accessing documents on many district clerk websites. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Does America Family Law Center go to court with people?

No. America Family Law Center does not go to court with people or represent people in court or legal matters. America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se services help people be better self-represented litigants. For more information, see the Services Page.

Although online reviews are intended to be helpful, you must remember that reviews of judges, attorneys, or service organizations are often heavily influenced by each person’s individual situation.  Sometimes, people badmouth a judge, attorney, or service simply because they didn’t get what they wanted.  Sometimes, people might not get what they want due to their own fault but try to blame others by posting negative reviews rather than being accountable themselves. It is not uncommon for judges, attorneys, and legal organizations to have a mixed bag when it comes to reviews.  The most significant indicator of the service is going to be your personal experience.  Were they helpful?  Did they seem knowledgeable?  Did I do my part? It is your case, so you should make your own evaluation based on your needs. Don’t expect someone else’s personal family law situation and outcome to be an accurate reflection of your own situation and outcome.

In what areas of the United States does America Family Law Center provide services?

America Family Law Center has clients in all 50 states. If you have a legal case in a state for which America Family Law Center does not have an attorney, the organization may not be able to provide you with legal assistance for that legal case. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Do I have to live near America Family Law Center to get services?

No. Our online and technology-based services allow us to help clients regardless of where they live. For more information, see the Services Page.

Will my family situation result in a court case?

Not necessarily. America Family Law Center, through its Assisted Pro Se services, strive to help people resolve their family law situations without a contested trial and is often successful at this. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

No. Process of Servcie requires a certified process server, and that is not a service that America Family Law Center provides. Any cost related to serving documents is the client’s responsibility, but based on your income and other factors may be waived. See here for Process Server Certification and here for the National Association of Professional Process Servers listed by city in Texas.

How many times am I allowed to consult with an attorney at America Family Law Center?

Unlimited – as a client in good standing and subject to availability. With America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se services, there is no limit to the number of times you may consult with an attorney. All attorney consultations are subject to availability – an attorney may not call you at the precise time you desire. Call for more information, or see our Services Page.

Do you help Spanish-speaking people?

Yes. America Family Law Center has bilingual staff.  The organization’s text messaging and online tools are multi-lingual. Written administrative documents are often in both English and Spanish. Call for more information.

Does immigration status matter with regard to being a client of America Family Law Center?

No. Immigration status is not a consideration as to whether or not America Family Law Center will be able to help you. Call for more information.

Can America Family Law Center refer me to an attorney who can represent me in a court case?

If you need or request an attorney to represent you, America Family Law Center can provide you with resources that can help you, depending on your situation and what you want. America Family Law Center does not represent people in court. Call for more information.

What is expected of me to be a client of America Family Law Center?

Many things are expected of a client of America Family Law Center, and this is reviewed during the intake process. America Family Law Center reserves the right to decline service to any applicant if the organization determines that the applicant is not a good fit for its Assisted Pro Se service model. The client’s willingness to work to resolve their situation and follow the direction and advice of the attorneys and staff at America Family Law Center is almost always vital to a satisfactory outcome. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Only attorneys can give legal advice. Other trained staff may assist you with various nonlegal services. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Do I get a Pro Bono attorney?

No, not from the America Family Law Center. The term “pro bono attorney” is often a myth or misused. Sometimes, an attorney may take a case at no charge, meaning pro bono. Staff attorneys at the America Family Law Center do not take cases pro bono. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Does America Family Law Center have an attorney to work with its clients?

Yes. America Family Law Center has attorney to work with clients on their case through its Assisted Pro Se services. Some clients may need legal assistance, while others may not. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Do I need to have a copy of my court papers?

Probably. If you have an existing case, the attorney will almost certainly want to review your court papers with you. Regardless, it is always a good idea to have a copy for your own reference. America Family Law Center is not responsible for gathering your court papers. Consult with an attorney to learn what your particular case or situation requires. Call for more information.

How do I get a copy of a court order?

In most situations, an opposing party or the court should have provided you with a copy. If you need a copy, go online or contact the District Clerk’s Office in the county of your case, typically at the courthouse, and ask the clerk’s office personnel for assistance. Call for more information.

Will the America Family Law Center help me if I have more than one case?

Yes. Remember, America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se services are centered around helping people with family law-related situations, not litigating cases. If you have multiple cases involving family law matters, America Family Law Center will assist you with them. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Yes. Remember, America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se services are centered around helping people with family law-related situations, not litigating cases. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Maybe. An attorney can advise you whether or not you will need legal documents. Call for more information.

No. America Family Law Center does not draft legal documents for its clients. However, the organization can provide referrals to resources that may draft legal documents for you or resources to forms you may consider using. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

You have many options available for legal documents. America Family Law Center can refer you to resources for legal documents. Such resources may include a law firm, law library, or online forms. If you use online forms, it is always advised that you have them reviewed by an attorney. America Family Law Center can help. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Can I provide copies of my documents to America Family Law Center?

Yes. America Family Law Center clients can upload documents through a secure file upload portal, similar to how the e-file system works for Texas courts. Clients receive assistance and instructions with this as part of their onboarding process. Documents are available to clients in a secure portal 24×7, like accessing documents on many district clerk websites. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Will America Family Law Center review and assist me with forms?

Yes. America Family Law Center’s Assisted Pro Se services include assisting clients with questions regarding family law-related legal forms. The attorneys may recommend legal forms or may help with questions completing legal forms. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

Will I need to have the other party served?

That question must be answered by an attorney and may vary from case to case. Call for more information, or see the Services Page.

English | Español
America Family Law Center
can be contacted by
phone or text at 214-516-7700
Children need their parents