California Courts: Self-Help Center: Forms & Instructions: Tips for Filling Out & Handling Your Court Forms

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Tips for Filling Out & Handling Your Court Forms

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Alert! Check with the clerk at your local court to find out if you must type your forms. (Find the court in your county.)

Be sure your forms are clear and easy to read. Use blue or black ink.
Write your legal name, current address, and daytime phone number in the box at the top of the first page of each form. If you don't want to write your home address, use another address where you can get mail. The court will send your court papers to this address.
If you don't have a lawyer, write "in pro per" on the "Attorney for" line on all court forms.
Fill out your forms completely and accurately. If something doesn't apply to you, write "N/A." This means "not applicable."
Sign each form where your signature is requested. Use blue or black ink only.
Fill out your forms one section at a time. If you have questions about a section, leave it blank until you can get your questions answered.
If you need help filling out your forms, you can ask a lawyer, a legal aid clinic, or a family law facilitator (in child, spousal, and partner support cases). Or go to a law library and ask the librarian for books that can help you.
Make copies of all your forms. If a form has writing on both sides, use 2 separate pages to copy the 2 sides of the form.
Keep a clean copy of all of your court papers in a folder in a safe place.
Bring your complete court file with you every time you go to the clerk's office, a court hearing, or the facilitator's office.

Last modified: 03/17/2008