North Carolina Pro Se Help: Free Court Self-Help Centers and Legal Aid by County

Pro se means representing yourself. In North Carolina, free help for pro se parents comes from two places: the court's own self-help programs and nonprofit legal aid. Find your county below to see exactly who to call, or type your city in the search box.

Statewide: NC Guide & File. Free official tool that walks self-represented people through building court papers for divorce, name change and more.

Alamance County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Alamance, Burlington, Elon, Gibsonville, Graham, Green Level, Haw River, Mebane, Ossipee, and Swepsonville.

Alexander County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Taylorsville.

Alleghany County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Sparta.

Anson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Ansonville, Lilesville, McFarlan, Morven, Peachland, Polkton, and Wadesboro.

Ashe County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Jefferson, Lansing, and West Jefferson.

Avery County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Crossnore, Elk Park, Grandfather Village, Newland, Seven Devils, and Sugar Mountain.

Beaufort County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Pantego, Washington, and Washington Park.

Bertie County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Askewville, Aulander, Colerain, Kelford, Lewiston Woodville, Powellsville, Roxobel, and Windsor.

Bladen County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bladenboro, Clarkton, Dublin, East Arcadia, Elizabethtown, Tar Heel, and White Lake.

Brunswick County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bald Head Island, Belville, Boiling Spring Lakes, Bolivia, Calabash, Carolina Shores, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Leland, Navassa, Northwest, and Oak Island.

Buncombe County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin.

Burke County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Connelly Springs, Drexel, Glen Alpine, Hickory, Hildebran, Long View, Morganton, Rhodhiss, Rutherford College, and Valdese.

Cabarrus County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Locust, Midland, and Mount Pleasant.

Caldwell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Blowing Rock, Cajah's Mountain, Cedar Rock, Gamewell, Granite Falls, Hickory, Hudson, Lenoir, Rhodhiss, Rutherford College, and Sawmills.

Camden County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Elizabeth City.

Carteret County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Bogue, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Morehead City, Newport, Peletier, and Pine Knoll Shores.

Caswell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Milton and Yanceyville.

Catawba County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Brookford, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, Long View, Maiden, and Newton.

Chatham County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Cary, Goldston, Pittsboro, and Siler City.

Cherokee County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Andrews and Murphy.

Chowan County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Edenton.

Clay County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Hayesville.

Cleveland County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Belwood, Boiling Springs, Casar, Earl, Fallston, Grover, Kings Mountain, Kingstown, Lattimore, Lawndale, Mooresboro, and Patterson Springs.

Columbus County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Boardman, Bolton, Brunswick, Cerro Gordo, Chadbourn, Fair Bluff, Lake Waccamaw, Sandyfield, Tabor City, and Whiteville.

Craven County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bridgeton, Cove City, Dover, Havelock, New Bern, River Bend, Trent Woods, and Vanceboro.

Cumberland County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Eastover, Falcon, Fayetteville, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman, and Wade.

Currituck County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Coinjock, Grandy, and Moyock.

Dare County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Nags Head, and Southern Shores.

Davidson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Denton, High Point, Lexington, Midway, Thomasville, and Wallburg.

Davie County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville.

Duplin County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Beulaville, Calypso, Faison, Greenevers, Harrells, Kenansville, Magnolia, Mount Olive, Rose Hill, Teachey, Wallace, and Warsaw.

Durham County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Chapel Hill, Durham, Morrisville, and Raleigh.

Edgecombe County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Conetoe, Leggett, Macclesfield, Pinetops, Princeville, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg, Speed, Tarboro, and Whitakers.

Forsyth County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bethania, Clemmons, High Point, Kernersville, King, Lewisville, Rural Hall, Tobaccoville, Walkertown, and Winston-Salem.

Franklin County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bunn, Franklinton, Louisburg, Wake Forest, and Youngsville.

Gaston County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Belmont, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Cramerton, Dallas, Gastonia, High Shoals, Kings Mountain, Lowell, McAdenville, Mount Holly, and Ranlo.

Gates County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Gatesville.

Graham County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Fontana Dam, Lake Santeetlah, and Robbinsville.

Granville County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Butner, Creedmoor, Oxford, Stem, and Stovall.

Greene County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Hookerton, Snow Hill, and Walstonburg.

Guilford County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Archdale, Burlington, Gibsonville, Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Sedalia, Stokesdale, and Summerfield.

Halifax County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Enfield, Halifax, Hobgood, Littleton, Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck, and Weldon.

Harnett County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Angier, Benson, Broadway, Coats, Dunn, Erwin, Fuquay-Varina, and Lillington.

Haywood County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville.

Henderson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Flat Rock, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Laurel Park, Mills River, and Saluda.

Hertford County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Ahoskie, Cofield, Como, Harrellsville, Murfreesboro, and Winton.

Hoke County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Raeford and Red Springs.

Hyde County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Engelhard, Fairfield, Ocracoke, and Swan Quarter.

Iredell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Davidson, Harmony, Love Valley, Mooresville, Statesville, and Troutman.

Jackson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Dillsboro, Forest Hills, Highlands, Sylva, and Webster.

Johnston County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Archer Lodge, Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Micro, Pine Level, Princeton, Selma, Smithfield, Wilson's Mills, and Zebulon.

Jones County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Maysville, Pollocksville, and Trenton.

Lee County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Broadway and Sanford.

Lenoir County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Grifton, Kinston, La Grange, and Pink Hill.

Lincoln County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Lincolnton and Maiden.

McDowell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Marion and Old Fort.

Macon County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Franklin and Highlands.

Madison County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Hot Springs, Mars Hill, and Marshall.

Martin County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bear Grass, Everetts, Hamilton, Hassell, Jamesville, Oak City, Parmele, Robersonville, and Williamston.

Mecklenburg County: court help from SelfServe Center, phone (704) 686-0210. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Midland, Mint Hill, Pineville, Stallings, and Weddington.

Mitchell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bakersville and Spruce Pine.

Montgomery County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Biscoe, Candor, Mount Gilead, Star, and Troy.

Moore County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Aberdeen, Cameron, Candor, Carthage, Foxfire, Pinebluff, Pinehurst, Robbins, Southern Pines, Taylortown, Vass, and Whispering Pines.

Nash County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bailey, Castalia, Dortches, Elm City, Middlesex, Momeyer, Nashville, Red Oak, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg, Spring Hope, and Whitakers.

New Hanover County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington, and Wrightsville Beach.

Northampton County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Conway, Garysburg, Gaston, Jackson, Lasker, Rich Square, Seaboard, Severn, and Woodland.

Onslow County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Holly Ridge, Jacksonville, North Topsail Beach, Richlands, Surf City, and Swansboro.

Orange County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, and Mebane.

Pamlico County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Alliance, Arapahoe, Bayboro, Grantsboro, Mesic, Minnesott Beach, Oriental, Stonewall, and Vandemere.

Pasquotank County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Elizabeth City.

Pender County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Atkinson, Burgaw, St. Helena, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Wallace, and Watha.

Perquimans County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Hertford and Winfall.

Person County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Roxboro.

Pitt County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Ayden, Bethel, Falkland, Farmville, Fountain, Greenville, Grifton, Grimesland, Simpson, and Winterville.

Polk County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Columbus, Saluda, and Tryon.

Randolph County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Archdale, Asheboro, Franklinville, High Point, Liberty, Ramseur, Randleman, Seagrove, Staley, Thomasville, and Trinity.

Richmond County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Dobbins Heights, Ellerbe, Hamlet, Hoffman, Norman, and Rockingham.

Robeson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Fairmont, Lumber Bridge, Lumberton, Marietta, Maxton, McDonald, Orrum, Parkton, Pembroke, Proctorville, Raynham, and Red Springs.

Rockingham County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Eden, Madison, Mayodan, Reidsville, Stoneville, and Wentworth.

Rowan County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers China Grove, Cleveland, East Spencer, Faith, Granite Quarry, Kannapolis, Landis, Rockwell, Salisbury, and Spencer.

Rutherford County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bostic, Chimney Rock Village, Ellenboro, Forest City, Lake Lure, Ruth, Rutherfordton, and Spindale.

Sampson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Autryville, Clinton, Faison, Falcon, Garland, Harrells, Newton Grove, Roseboro, Salemburg, and Turkey.

Scotland County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers East Laurinburg, Gibson, Laurinburg, Maxton, and Wagram.

Stanly County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Albemarle, Badin, Locust, Misenheimer, New London, Norwood, Oakboro, Red Cross, Richfield, and Stanfield.

Stokes County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Danbury, King, Tobaccoville, and Walnut Cove.

Surry County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy, and Pilot Mountain.

Swain County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Bryson City.

Transylvania County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Brevard and Rosman.

Tyrrell County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Columbia.

Union County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Fairview, Hemby Bridge, Indian Trail, Lake Park, Marshville, Marvin, Mineral Springs, Mint Hill, Monroe, Stallings, Unionville, and Waxhaw.

Vance County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Henderson, Kittrell, and Middleburg.

Wake County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Angier, Apex, Cary, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, and Rolesville.

Warren County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Macon, Norlina, and Warrenton.

Washington County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Creswell, Plymouth, and Roper.

Watauga County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Seven Devils.

Wayne County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Eureka, Fremont, Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Pikeville, Seven Springs, and Walnut Creek.

Wilkes County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Elkin, North Wilkesboro, Ronda, and Wilkesboro.

Wilson County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Black Creek, Elm City, Kenly, Lucama, Saratoga, Sharpsburg, Sims, Stantonsburg, and Wilson.

Yadkin County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Boonville, East Bend, Jonesville, and Yadkinville.

Yancey County: court help from NC Guide & File. Free legal aid from Legal Aid of North Carolina, phone (866) 219-5262. Covers Burnsville.

Where can I get free help with a family court case in North Carolina without a lawyer? Start with NC Guide & File, run by North Carolina Judicial Branch (Administrative Office of the Courts). 1 of 100 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina if you qualify by income.

Does every North Carolina county have its own self-help center? No. 1 of 100 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by NC Guide & File, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in North Carolina.

Who gives free legal aid in North Carolina? North Carolina is served by one federally funded legal aid office: Legal Aid of North Carolina. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.

What is a court self-help center? It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.

What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid? A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.

What should I have ready before I call? Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get free help with a family court case in North Carolina without a lawyer?

Start with NC Guide & File, run by North Carolina Judicial Branch (Administrative Office of the Courts). 1 of 100 counties also have their own local court help listed on this page. For free legal advice, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina if you qualify by income.

Does every North Carolina county have its own self-help center?

No. 1 of 100 counties have local court help listed here. Every other county is served by NC Guide & File, which you can call or visit online from anywhere in North Carolina.

Who gives free legal aid in North Carolina?

North Carolina is served by one federally funded legal aid office: Legal Aid of North Carolina. Each one serves set counties, so check the listing for your county. Help is free for people who qualify, usually by income.

What is a court self-help center?

It is a free help desk run by or for the court for people handling their own case without a lawyer. Staff can explain which forms you need, how to fill them out, how filing and service work, and what happens next. They are not your lawyer, so they cannot tell you what to ask for or how to argue your case.

What is the difference between a self-help center and legal aid?

A self-help center helps anyone who walks in or calls, whatever their income, with forms and court steps. A legal aid office is a nonprofit law office that can give free legal advice and sometimes a free lawyer, but only to people who qualify, usually by income. Many parents use both.

What should I have ready before I call?

Your county, your case number if you have one, the names of both parents and the children, any papers you were served, and any deadline or hearing date. Write down the date you called, who you spoke to, and what they told you.