Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center

Providing the community with access to justice through legal resources and hands-on assistance!

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Our Story & Mission

Learn more about the center, our history, mission, vision, staff, and partners.

Learn More

Legal Resources
& Court Documents

Access more information about our services and self-service tools to assist you in your court filings and legal journey.

Learn More

Community Education & Initiatives

Find out about upcoming legal workshops, partner classes, and our outreach events.

Learn More

Help Center Staff CAN Give Inf0:

On how to begin cases
On how to answer cases
On how to collect judgements
On filling out forms
On court procedures
On referrals to appropriate agencies
On public access computer use
On how to find your destination court

We look forward to assisting you.

Help Center Staff CANNOT:

Provide legal counsel or guidance
Advise on the specific information you should include in your forms
Interpret laws, court cases, or court orders
Provide opinions regarding judges, court employees, or private attorneys

Please consult a qualified legal professional for these matters.

TRUE or FALSE FRIDAYS! ⚖️ If a father signs the birth certificate in Georgia, he automatically has legal rights to the child.

Answer: FALSE!

In Georgia, signing the birth certificate does NOT give an unmarried father automatic legal rights. Unless you were married to the child’s mother at the time of conception or have gone through the legitimation process, you are not legally recognized as the father and do not have rights to the child—even if you’Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Centernds like your situation, don’t wait. Visit the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center and let us help you START THE LEGITIMATION PROCESS TODAY.

We’re here to assist with custody, visitation, child support, DNA testing, and a wide range of other court filing matters such as divorce, guardianship, name changes, wills, power of attorney, contempt, liens, and more—all without the cost of hiring an attorney.

Find our address, phone number, and full list of services at: www.swgalegalselfhelp.com

Want to learn more about legitimation and your rights as a father in Georgia? Read this helpful article:
https://www.southatlantafamilylaw.com/blogs/5817/understanding-legitimation-and-parental-rights-for-fathers-in-georgia

⸻

Follow us, like our page, and share for more FREE and helpful legal tips and content!

📍Albany, Georgia

#FathersRights #LegitimationMatters #PaternityTesting #CustodyHelp #GeorgiaLaw #KnowYourRights #SWGALegalHelp #fatherhood #paternitycourt #childsupport #dnatesting #albanyga #albany #georgia #divorcecourt #judgelake #judgejidy #paternitycourt #albanyga #albanygeorgia #albany #swga #sowega

Due to our Second Annual Fundraiser Gala on April 25, 2025, the center will be closed. Please be sure to see us earlier in the week from 9:00am to 4:00pm so that we can assist you. We will reopen Monday, April 28th. #albanygeorgia #albanyga #georgialegal #swgalegalselfhelpcenter

Join Us in Empowering Our Community—One Legal Matter at a Time. FOOD, DRINKS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT and more! 🎊

Each year, the Southwest Georgia Legal Self Help Center proudly serves over 60,000 community members, helping them navigate important legal matters without the cost of an attorney. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, partners, and community members like YOU, we are able to offer these vital services completely free of charge.

Whether you’re part of the legal community, a community or faith leader, a social services professional, or simply someone who believes in building a stronger Southwest Georgia—we warmly invite you to join us for our Annual Fundraising Gala next Friday, April 25, 2025.

Enjoy a meaningful evening of food, drinks, live entertainment, and inspiring stories from those whose lives have been touched by our work. You’ll get a firsthand look at the impact we’re making—and how your support can help us do even more.

Reserve a seat, table, or become a sponsor and be part of something powerful. Sponsors receive a table for six and special promotional opportunities.
Learn more and register here:
https://www.swgalegalselfhelp.com/event-details-registration/annual-fundraising-gala

Can’t attend? You can still support our mission by making a donation of any amount. Every dollar helps us reach more neighbors in need.

Visit us online to learn more about our services or stop by our center at 225 Pine Ave Rm. 121, Albany, GA.
www.swgalegalselfhelp.com

We’re here to help with divorce, custody, legitimation, guardianship, name changes, liens, wills, powers of attorney, and much more.

Together, we can continue to serve—and uplift—our entire community! #albanyga #albanygeorgia #albany #swga #swgalegalselfhelpcenter #doco #Doughertycounty #docolawlibrary #doughertycountawlibrary

The SWGA Self-Help Center and the DOCO Law Library will be closed next week from March 31-April 4, 2025 for a staff training. During this time, please visit our website for additional information or drop us an email at info@swgalegalselfhelp.com.

www.swgalegalselfhelp.com

📢 You're Invited: Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center's 2nd Annual Fundraiser Gala

Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating Equal Access to Justice for All! This special event will bring together legal professionals, community leaders, Southwest Georgia residents, and advocates in support of accessible legal resources for our community.

Enjoy a night of dinner, refreshments, live entertainment, and inspiring guest speakers as we highlight the impact of our work and the importance of legal self-help resources.

📅 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
📍 Location: Thronateeska Heritage Center, 100 W Roosevelt Ave, Albany, GA 31701

Your participation directly supports our mission to provide essential legal resources to those in need. Purchase your tickets, reserve a table, or explore sponsorship opportunities today. If you’re unable to attend, consider making a donation to help expand access to justice in our region.

Visit our website for more details. We look forward to seeing you there.

https://www.swgalegalselfhelp.com/event-details-registration/annual-fundraising-gala

#EqualAccessToJustice #FundraiserGala #SWGA #LegalResources

Join the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center for our 2nd annual fundraiser event!🎉

Celebrate and support equal access to justice for all with delicious food, drinks, live entertainment, and guest speakers. We welcome the entire SWGA community including legal professionals, community resource and support providers, leaders, and locals!

Ticket and location information will be sent out very soon. For now, save the date and visit our website to learn more about the center and what we do. If you are a community member in need of legal support services, contact us today!

Sponsorship opportunities and table purchases will be available for organizations. Inquire with us today by visiting our website and submitting the contact form or emailing info@swgalegalselfhelp.com

https://www.swgalegalselfhelp.com/
229-302-3295

BE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR UPDATES!

In honor of the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrate a significant figure in American history and in our justice system: The Honorable Thurgood Marshall.

Thurgood Marshall dedicated his life to breaking down legal barriers and ensuring justice for all. From overturning Plessy v. Ferguson in the Brown v. Board of Education case to challenging discriminatory voting and housing laws, his work reshaped America’s legal system and expanded access to justice for Black Americans, and subsequently, ALL Americans. As the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, he proved that the law can be a powerful tool for equality when used to fight injustice.

At our Legal Self-Help Center, we honor his legacy by empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to navigate the legal system. Justice should be accessible to everyone, and we thank those who continue to fight for that fundamental right.

“EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE”

The Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center welcomes all Southwest Georgia residents. If you are a pro se litigant (representing yourself in a legal matter) and need access to legal resources and some guidance, please stop by our Albany office and see us Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 4:30pm or Friday 9:00am to 12:00pm.

#follow #like #share

Are you an active utility customer with Albany Water, Gas and Light and needing assistance with your utility bill? JOIN US Feb. 5, 2025!

SWGA Legal Self-Help and Center Presents:
Operation EmPower: Utility Assistance for Albany Water, Gas & Light Customers

Please join us for an opportunity to receive support with your utility bills. Applications will be available for pick up in and will be processed in person on February 5th ONLY. Hablamos Español.

Event Details:
Date: February 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 225 Pine Ave, Room #121, Albany, GA
**FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. ARRIVE EARLY!**

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to receive assistance with your utility bills. We are here to help!

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at: 229-302-3295 or visit our website www.swgalegalselfhelp.com

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Address

225 Pine Ave, Room 121

Albany, GA 31701

Contact

229-302-3295

Opening Hours

Mon - Thurs

Friday

9:00 am – 4:30 pm

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center

Providing the community with access to justice through legal resources and hands-on assistance!

Our Story & Mission

Learn more about the center, our history, mission, vision, staff, and partners.

Legal Resources & Court Documents

Access more information about our services and self-service tools to assist you in your court filings and legal journey.

Community Education & Initiatives

Find out about upcoming legal workshops, partner classes, and our outreach events.

Help Center Staff CAN Give Inf0:

Help Center Staff CANNOT:

​

Follow us on Instagram

Get in Touch Follow us on our social media platforms!

Address

Contact

Opening Hours

Legal Resources
& Court Documents

Get in Touch
Follow us on our social media platforms!