Assisting Self-Represented Litigants in Domestic Violence Cases

This planning guide is intended to assist courts to better meet the needs of self-represented litigants in domestic violence cases. It describes specific practices that courts can adapt to their needs, proposes ideas for enhancing existing programs, and suggests strategies for working with community partners in order to more holistically meet the diverse needs of domestic violence litigants. The information in the guide is based on the recommendations of national experts, who helped identify core values and critical strategies particularly relevant in domestic violence cases. The guide also draws on examples from courts around the country that have made strides to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants in domestic violence cases.