Quick Resource Guide: Child Custody and Support

How to:

Forms

Library Books/Computer Applications

    • Family Law Basics, KFC115 .F36 2019, shelf 109B.
    • California Child & Spousal Support: Establishing, Modifying & Enforcing,  KFC133 .C353 2010, shelf 109B.  Also available as an eBook through CEB OnLaw.
    • California Child Custody Litigation & Practice, KFC130 .C35 2006, shelf 109B.  Also available as an eBook through CEB OnLaw.
    • Nolo’s essential guide to child custody & support, KF547 .D67 2023, shelf 108B.  Also available as an eBook through Nolo (Ebsco).
    • Child and Spousal Support: Bench Handbook, KFC133 .B46 2019, shelf 108B.  Also available as an eBook at http://www2.courtinfo.ca.gov/protem/pubs/SupportBHB.pdf  (PDF, external)
    • XSpouse, available on the Law Library’s research computers 1-8.  This program is a child and spousal support calculator certified for Court use by the California Judicial Council.  XSpouse also has a YouTube channel with tutorials and updates.  https://www.youtube.com/@xspouse

Free Legal Help

Alameda County Court Self-Help Center

Website:  https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/self-help  Contact the SHC via phone or chat to ask a questions, make an appointment, or register for a workshop.  The Self-Help Center does not take walk-in patrons, but you may make an appointment to talk to someone in person.

Family Law LiveChat

    • This is a chat is specifically for family law questions.  Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM;  Friday, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
    • Access via “Chat now” chat widget: https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law
    • Login early. They may stop taking chats before the stated hours end if they reach capacity

Phones

    • Self-Help Center: (510) 272-1393, Mon-Thurs, 2PM-4PM
    • Voicemails can only be left during phone hours; Messages are returned within 5 business days

Bay Area Legal Aid

    • 1735 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA (510) 663-4744 https://baylegal.org/
    • Assist survivors of domestic violence with child custody and visitation forms.

Alameda County Dept of Child Support Services

Dads Evoking Change – Drop in Family Law Clinic

All for the Family Legal Clinic, Inc.

3137 Castro Valley Blvd, #210, Castro Valley, CA, 94546  (510)-999-7732 https://allforthefamilylegalclinic.org/

Providing equal access to justice for low-income and modest-means litigants in the Bay Area.

Community Legal Assistance Saturday Program (CLASP)

CLASP offers a monthly, free clinic open to the public.  Volunteer attorneys meet with individuals for 15-20 minute consultations on the first Saturday of the month, except for January and July.

    • To sign up for an appointment call (510) 485-9933 on the first Saturday of the month between 10:00 am and 12 Noon.  At attorney will call you back that afternoon
    • The phone call from the attorney will be from an “blocked number” or “private party” – you won’t be able to see a phone number.  You must answer the phone, because if you miss the call, the attorney will call the next person on the list, and might not have time to call you back

Hire an Attorney

BALI – Bay Area Legal Incubator

    • Address: 125 12th St. Oakland, CA Mezzanine Level
    • Affordable legal services. Some attorneys offer sliding scale fees.  In-take form available on website, and you can also read the profiles and get contact information for the BALI attorneys.
    • Website:  https://www.bayarealegalincubator.org/

ACBA Lawyer Referral Service

    • Phone:  510-302-2222 Option 4
    • The referral service will match you with a local attorney for a 30-minute consultation.  There is a $40.00 administrative fee for this attorney referral. Attorneys charge $200 – 400/hour for services.  Clients can also self-book consultations online: https://www.acbanet.org/need-a-lawyer/

Updated 4.1.2026