Pro Se Parents’ Clinic
Every child deserves the love and presence of both parents, and every parent deserves a chance to be a part of their child’s life. For many non-custodial parents, navigating the legal system can feel impossible. However, the Pro Se Parents’ Clinic can help with that. We help parents obtain visitation rights to build meaningful connections with their children and provide the tools to navigate uncontested divorces involving minor children with support and dignity. Thanks to your support, this clinic is offered at no cost to those who qualify.
Who We Help
In order to receive assistance, the applicant must first complete an intake interview, which can be done over the phone, to see if they qualify for assistance. The following are common disqualifiers:
- Being over income
- An active bankrupcy
- Paternity issues
- Refusal to set child support
Other factors may also disqualify a participant, however, the above are the most common.
Whether they are going through an uncontested divorce or are pursuing visitation rights, this clinic assists parents in maintaining a relationship with their children. *space* Many can’t afford a lawyer. Your donation provides the legal support they need to move forward.
Cost
The Pro Se litigant is responsible for the following costs when receiving assistance from the Pro Se Parents' Clinic:
The Intake Fee
The intake fee is a sliding scale amount based upon income and is between $5 – $15.
The Filing Fee
In any lawsuit, a filing fee is paid to the Clerk of the Court. At this time, the Shelby County filing fee for an uncontested divorce with minor children is $381.50. The filing fee is paid to the Court and is not a fee received by the Pro Se Parents' Clinic.
Court Costs
At the end of the case, the Court will assess court costs. Once the court costs are assessed, the Pro Se litigant and/or the Defendant, shall be sent a court cost bill from the Court Clerk.
The Pro Se Parents' Clinic is open each week Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Pro Se Parents' Clinic is located inside the D'Army Bailey Courthouse at 140 Adams Ave., Room 134 Memphis, TN 38103.
Assistance may be available for Shelby County residents:
- Uncontested divorces with minor children
- Visitation Petition for Non-Custodial Parent
The Pro Se Parents’ Clinic is seeing walk-in and in-person appointments at this time. For information, please leave a message at (901) 543-3395 or email cristinaa@clcmemphis.org.