The Family Law Information Center in DeKalb County: A Complete Guide

What is the DeKalb County Family Law Information Center?

The Family Law Information Center is an important part of the Division of Family Courts in DeKalb County. It aims to assist citizens who seek relief from the court via domestic relations filings. The family law information center is located on the second floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse Annex building. The entrance is located in the rear of the courthouse. The upstairs is only accessible via stairway. If a person needs accommodations for case filing, the staff of the family law information center will come and retrieve the case from the client.
The family law information center handles filings for divorce actions, child custody matters, child support petitions, adoption matters, legitimations , and name changes for adults and minors. However, the center does not assist with mediation or resolution of disputes.
All documents that are to be filed with the court must be typed. The standard size for filing papers with the Clerk’s Office is Legal, because legal paper is larger than letter size. Standard copies should be made of all documents filed. The fee to file the first document in the action is $210.00, which includes filing and service. Each additional document being filed is $30.00. Service by sheriff’s department costs $50.00.
The Center helps those who are unable to hire attorneys. The staff is very helpful and open to showing persons where to go to obtain certain necessary information.

Services Provided by the Family Law Center

The DeKalb County Family Law Information Center offers an array of services to provide individuals with the necessary resources to navigate family law matters effectively. The center strives to empower citizens by providing legal information and resources for the self-represented litigant.
One of the central roles of the Family Law Information Center is to help individuals understand the nature of their case and the legal proceedings they are involved in. The staff provides general information regarding family law matters such as divorce, child support, custody, spousal support, and parenting time. This typically includes information about legal procedures, basic court rules, and necessary forms for filing motions or other pleadings.
In addition, the Family Law Information Center staff assists in the preparation of courtroom forms and other related documents. They can help ensure that the forms are filled out accurately and thoroughly, which is essential for a successful court appearance. However, it’s important to note that the staff is not permitted to provide legal advice.
Furthermore, the DeKalb County Family Law Information Center is equipped with numerous informational pamphlets that citizens may find helpful while navigating their case. These resources include practical information about self-representation, the legal process, and where to find further assistance.
In summary, the Family Law Information Center in DeKalb County serves as a useful starting point for residents looking to understand and get involved in their family law matters. By providing access to reliable information and ensuring that necessary paperwork is prepared correctly, the center plays a vital role in the court process for those who are self-represented.

How and Where to Access the Family Law Center in DeKalb County

For DeKalb County residents facing family law issues, the Family Law Information Center (FLIC) can provide much-needed guidance and support. This section of the article outlines how to access FLIC’s services, including its location and hours of operation.
The FLIC in DeKalb County is accessible to all residents who may benefit from its services. It is situated within the DeKalb County Courthouse at:
DeKalb County Superior Court
556 N. McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
There are no specific requirements to access the FLIC aside from being a resident of DeKalb County or having a legal matter pending there. Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to make an appointment prior to going to the Center. Working during the week can make appointments at inconvenient times difficult to obtain.

Who Will Benefit from Using the Resources Available at the Center?

The Family Law Information Center is primarily used by two groups: pro se litigants and attorneys. Pro se litigants come to the center seeking guidance on forms and filing procedures, while attorneys may use the center to ensure that their pleadings and filings meet court requirements. Attorneys tend to find most of their issues addressed earlier in the case with matters like hearings on temporary relief, hearings on contempt, and/or trials on permanent matters more often handled by court staff. A common scenario in which a pro se litigant might use the services offered at the Family Law Information Center is in connection with child support. When a Child Support Order is entered in DeKalb County, the Office of Child Support Services will then issue a new Atlanta County Child Support Order which will have an effective date in both counties . The Atlanta County Order will provide that the DeKalb County Order will terminate in a specified future date. In the interim, the parties will be making child support payments through the income deduction order. With this set-up, the parties may feel pressure to move for a modification since they cannot simply pay the new lower support amount instead of the higher one in the DeKalb County order. The Office of Child Support Services will not change the date on the Atlanta DeKalb Order without a court order. However, the filing of a Petition for Modification in DeKalb County can change the operative child support amount, which is why pro se litigants use the resources of the family law information center.

Preparing to Visit the Family Law Center

Scheduling an appointment to meet with one of the helpful Family Law Information Center staff members is the first step to successfully navigating the family law court system in DeKalb County. As with most situations, be sure to take time to plan ahead by asking yourself what questions you will ask:
-What problem do I need to solve?
-What information do I want to bring with me?
-What documents will I need to fill out?
-What should I expect the staff to do for me during my visit?
Whether you want unilateral or mutual divorce, legal separation, annulment or legal recognition of domestic partnership, the Family Law Information Center provides you with the information needed to file and begin the process.
Take the time to write down your questions and bring them to your appointment. You will find that there are many resources available to you. If you have children, be sure to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate. This is essential for the paternity establishment process, as well as the legal separation and divorce processes.
Be sure to take time to research legal definitions prior to visiting the Family Law Information Center. Familiarize yourself with definitions such as "discovery," "spousal support," "alimony," "grounds for divorce," "forms of divorce," etc. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare; now that you have researched the definitions of certain legal terms, it is time to research the paperwork that you will need to file with the court.

Petition for Divorce
Waiver of the Service of Process
Entry of Appearance and Consent to Jurisdiction
Financial Affidavit
Notice of Lis Pendens
Petition for Legitimation
Legitimation Acknowledgment
Legitimate Petition for Divorce
Legitimate Petition for Divorce Other
Affidavit of Service of Process

You will find that the staff at the Family Law Information Center will educate you about each of these forms and advise you on how to fill them out. Before you leave your appointment, be sure to ask about filing fees, recording fees, attorney consultations, child support obligations, child custody questions, contempt questions, and anything else that comes to mind. The staff will give you information about how to obtain referrals to other helpful agencies in the area, as well.
The staff will also provide you with valuable information about where to go for mediation and parenting classes. These classes are designed to promote positive relationships with your children. Family Law Information Center staff can also assist you with learning about the Child Support Program in your area.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is the Family Law Information Center?
A: The Family Law Information Center (FLIC) is where you can find resources and assistance in family law cases. FLIC has self-help information about family law cases.
Q: Who operates the Family Law Information Center?
A: FLIC is operated by Georgia Legal Services Program, Inc. (GLSP) under a grant from the Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts. The staff of FLIC includes a supervisory attorney and several paralegals.
Q: What is the purpose of the Family Law Information Center?
A: The goal of FLIC is to provide people with what they need to know about a family law case if they decide to represent themselves. FLIC helps pro se litigants who have no attorney.
Q: What services are provided by the Family Law Information Center?
A: FLIC gives legal information by brochure, manual, or other written materials. These materials help people understand family law cases. FLIC will refer anyone seeking legal advice to a qualified attorney.
Q: How do you make an appointment to meet with the Family Law Information Center staff?
A: Call 404-294-2177 for an appointment. At that number, you will hear a menu of choices . Select "Family Law Information Center Appointment." If your call is not answered right away, leave a message for a callback.
Q: What are the hours for the Family Law Information Center?
A: Family Law Information Center staff is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff is available Fridays from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Staff is not available for appointments on the first Monday or first Friday of each month.
Q: Why isn’t the Family Law Information Center open all day on Fridays?
A: Although full-time, regular staffing of the Family Law Information Center will be provided as a community service at no cost, the staff of FLIC is not funded to be available on Fridays. Staff have their primary offices at Georgia Legal Services Program and The Justice Project.
Q: Can you call the Family Law Information Center for legal advice?
A: No, FLIC assists you with information; FLIC does not give legal advice. You can call the FLIC staff for information about how a court process works.
Q: Is there any charge for assistance from the Family Law Information Center?
A: There is no fee for you to receive assistance from the staff of the Family Law Information Center.