How forms work

From finding the form to handing it to the court, in plain language.

  1. Find your form

    Search by the form’s name or official number, or browse by state and topic. Each form page tells you what the form is for, who usually files it, and where it is filed. It also shows the official source and the date we last checked that it is the court’s current version.

  2. Fill it in

    Answer short, plain-language questions, or type straight onto the form. Each question explains what the court is asking for. You can browse and start filling in without an account; create a free account to save a draft and come back later.

  3. Review

    Check every answer on a preview of the finished form before you pay or download. Names, dates and case numbers must match your other court papers exactly.

  4. Pay per form, or use your plan

    Without a paid plan, you pay once for each form you download. Paid plans include unlimited forms. See Pricing for current prices.

  5. Download

    You get a finished PDF to print, sign and file. Signing in is needed to download, so your forms stay in My forms in your account.

  6. What to do next

    • File it. Take or send the form to the court clerk for the court named on the form. Ask the clerk about filing fees, how many copies they need, and any deadline that applies to your case.
    • Keep copies. Keep a copy of everything you file, with the date you filed it.
    • Serve the other side. Many forms must also be delivered (“served”) to the other people in the case, following the court’s rules. A process server can do this for you.

Not sure which form you need?

We can explain what each form is for, but we cannot tell you which form to file or what to write; that is legal advice. A lawyer, or a free legal aid office, can look at your situation and tell you.

Find a legal professional