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Welcome to SHARP

SHARP is the court’s Self-Help Center where people who do not have an attorney representing them in their case can seek free legal information and assistance with court forms. SHARP provides assistance with family law cases, guardianships, evictions, small claims, name and gender changes, and restraining orders. SHARP does not provide assistance with all case types; please contact us for a complete list of services provided.

Under the supervision of the managing attorney, our staff can assist all unrepresented parties in a case, providing blank court forms, legal information, and education. SHARP staff will provide information regarding court procedures, legal definitions, and options that a litigant may have available to them, allowing litigants to make an informed decision about their case. SHARP staff cannot provide legal advice, representation in court, or development of case strategy. Communications between SHARP staff and you are not confidential; we are not responsible for the outcome of your case.

SHARP was founded in 2002 as part of the Judicial Council’s Model Self-Help Center Pilot Program. SHARP was created to provide comprehensive self-help services in small rural courts, specifically in Butte County, Glenn County, and Tehama County. SHARP has offices at both Butte County Superior Court locations – located in Chico and Oroville, the Glenn County Superior Court located in Willows, and the Tehama County Superior Court located in Red Bluff. Since 2002, SHARP continues to provide free legal information and assistance to self-represented litigants in the north state.

  • Family Law Facilitator

    A family law facilitator is an attorney licensed to practice law in California who has been appointed by the superior court of a California county. The facilitator’s office can assist with child support, spousal support, and health insurance issues.

  • Walk-in Services

    Same day, walk-in assistance is provided for all case types and services, including restraining orders and emergency child custody issues.

  • Self-Help Computer Lab

    At each of our locations, SHARP provides computers available for the public to access form completion programs to complete and assemble their court forms and documents for filing with the court. These resources are also available under the Online Resources section.

  • Appointments

    For more complex issues and services requiring more time than a walk-in service, appointments are offered for litigants to meet with SHARP staff or the managing attorney on an as-needed basis.

  • Telephone and Email Contact

    You can contact SHARP staff during our office hours at (530) 532-7015. You can also send your questions by e-mail, and our staff will do our best to answer your questions. Send an e-mail to:

    asksharp@buttecourt.ca.gov

  • Referrals

    Do you still need assistance? There are several non-profit organizations and government agencies that can also provide legal resources and support. Please see our Referrals page for more information.

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