Pro Se Parents’ Clinic
The Pro Se Parents' Clinic assists non-custodial parents obtain visitation rights as well as helping those seeking uncontested divorces with minor children.
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both parties are willing to sign the pleadings necessary to obtain the divorce.
In order to receive assistance, the applicant must first complete an intake interview, which can be done over the phone, to see if he or she qualifies for assistance.
The following shall disqualify an applicant from receiving assistance through the Pro Se Parents’ Clinic:
- 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.
Obtaining a divorce requires three appointments at the Pro Se Parents’ Clinic. The Pro Se Litigant receives limited legal advice and assistance in drafting the necessary pleadings and specific instructions on how to file for divorce.
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.
Parenting Class
Pro se litigants and their spouses must each attend a parenting class by a court approved provider prior to the final hearing for divorce. The cost of the class is approximately $60 – $70 per each parent.
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 Clinic is closed on Fridays.
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) 222-3813 or email tinap@clcmemphis.org.