If you live in Santa Clara County, you can come in person to the Self Service Center Offices in either downtown San Jose or South County/San Martin. (South County has limited days and hours.) The Self Service Center Offices can help guide you through the court system in Santa Clara County.

This section will give you answers to these questions:

• Where are the Self Service Centers located and when are they open?
• What if I can't get to one of the Self Service Centers?
• Do I need an appointment for the Self Service Center?
• How can the Self Service Center help me?
• Are there lawyers at the Self Service Center?
• Can I get help with forms?
• Do I need to bring anything to the Self Service Center?
• What if I have or used to have a lawyer?
• What if I don’t speak English?
• Can I bring my children?
   

Where are the Self Service Center Offices and when is it open?

The downtown San Jose Self Service Center is at:

Notre Dame Courthouse
99 Notre Dame
San Jose, CA 95113

Days and Hours at Notre Dame: open Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (on Fridays, there are no walk-in sessions with the Self-Service Center lawyer)

The South County Self Service Center is at:

South County Courthouse
12425 Monterey Road
San Martin, CA 95046

Days and Hours at South County: only open on THURSDAYS, hours 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (closed from 12:30-1:30)

What if I can’t get to one of the Self Service Centers?


The Court also has a traveling Self-Service Center called CourtMobile. It goes to locations around Santa Clara County on a monthly schedule.

CourtMobile gives you the same information and referrals as you get at the Self-Service Center Office.

Do I need an appointment for the Self Service Center?

No. Just come in. You’ll get a number when you arrive. We help people on a first come, first serve basis. People arrive early for help, before the courthouse opens.


How can the Self Service Center help me?

The Self Service Center can refer you to the resources you need for your Court case. We may:

• give you information,
• refer you to other Court resources or a private agency, or
• recommend you talk to a lawyer.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, we can tell you about free and low-cost legal resources.


Are there lawyers at the Self Service Center?

There is a lawyer at the Center.  The lawyer is there to help you learn about your legal rights and responsibilities.  They cannot give legal advice or tell you the best way to deal with your case. They can only give you information and options.  They will either:

• help you at the Center,
• refer you to other organizations that can help you, or
• refer you to a private attorney.

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Can I get help with forms?

Yes. There are other people who work at the Center who are not lawyers. They can show you how to:

• use this website,
• print information or forms from this website, and
• fill out and print online forms.

The Self Service Center has printed information and forms for:

• civil cases,
• family law cases,
• unlawful detainer cases,
• guardianship, conservatorship and some Probate cases,
• expungements,
• fee waiver applications, and
• all approved Judicial Council forms.
   

We also have pamphlets and books on many topics including divorce, tenants’ rights and guardianships.


Do I need to bring anything to the Self Service Center?

If you already have a Court case, bring copies of all papers in your Court file.

If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit, bring all the information and documents you have related to your case.

If you are being sued, or you have a criminal case, bring copies of all documents you were served or got from the Court.

Read this flyer, "Things to Do to Get Help at the Self Service Center,"  for important specific information about what you need to bring!
 

What if I have or used to have a lawyer?

If you have a lawyer now, we cannot help you with your case.

If you had a lawyer before, but do not have one now, you must bring a written, filed court order that proves you do not have a lawyer now.


What if I don’t speak English?

If you do not speak English, please bring your own translator.
 

Can I bring my children?

If your children are between 2 and 12 years old, you can take them to the Children’s Waiting Room at the Notre Dame Courthouse while you visit the Self Service Center there.

The Children's Waiting Room is a program that has snacks and activities for your children.

If you have court-related things to take care of, it is free!

You should make an appointment in advance. If you come without an appointment, the Center will take children on a first come, first serve basis.

Come early because you will have to fill out forms before you can drop your children off.

Schedule:
Monday – Friday:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm (except court holidays).

Telephone:
(408) 882-2900

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