WHEREAS, Rule 12.750, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, authorizes chief judges to establish and operate self-help programs under the auspices of the court to facilitate access to family courts, and

WHEREAS, statistics show that a large percentage of family law case filings involve at least one self represented litigant, and

WHEREAS, the undersigned believes that to the extent possible, the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court should take steps to ensure that it is accessible, convenient, understandable and affordable to the citizens of the circuit;

NOW THEREFORE, I, TERENCE R. PERKINS, Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, authorize the Court Administrator’s office to operate a Family Self-Help Program for purposes of assisting self represented litigants to achieve fair and efficient resolutions to their family law cases.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED as follows:

1. The Self-Help Program described herein operates under the auspices of the court in Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties.

2. “Family Law cases” include those categories of cases enumerated in this court’s administrative order establishing a Family Law Division.

3. Services provided by program staff comports with those outlined in Rule 12.750(c), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure.

4. Program services are made available to all self represented litigants in family law cases, regardless of income, unless otherwise provided by law.

5. A disclaimer entitled “Notice of Limitation of Services Provided” (see Rule 12.750(h), Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure) is posted in each Self-Help Program office.

6. Administrative order FM-2002-008-SC is hereby rescinded effective October 1, 2015.