Court Self-Help Centers: What They Can and Cannot Do
Updated 2026-10-06
Many people go to court without a lawyer. They may be filing for divorce, answering an eviction notice, asking for a protective order, or handling a small claim. To help, many courts offer a self-help center, a help desk, or an online self-help section. These services can be very useful, but they have limits. This guide explains what a self-help center can usually do and when you may need other help.
What a court self-help center is
A court self-help center is a service run by or connected to a court to help people who represent themselves. People who represent themselves are often called "self-represented litigants" or "pro se" litigants.
Self-help services take different forms. Some are in-person offices in the courthouse. Others are phone lines, live chat, workshops, or websites with forms and instructions. Some are staffed by court employees, and some by attorneys or trained staff working with the court. What is offered depends on your state and county.
To find out what your court offers, start with the court's own website. The USAGov courts page explains the different court levels and links to resources for finding your state and local courts.
What self-help centers can usually do
Services vary, but many self-help centers can:
- Explain court procedures — what steps a type of case usually involves and in what order
- Point you to the right forms for common case types
- Explain how to fill out forms in general terms, such as what a section is asking for
- Review forms for completeness — for example, whether a signature or required attachment is missing
- Explain how to file and serve papers, and where to file them
- Explain how to ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford court fees
- Provide information on what to expect at a hearing
- Refer you to legal aid, lawyer referral services, mediation, or other community resources
This kind of help can save you a lot of time and reduce mistakes that delay a case.
What self-help centers generally cannot do
Self-help staff are there to help everyone who uses the court, often including both sides of the same case. Because of that, they usually must stay neutral. In general, a self-help center cannot:
- Give legal advice about what you should do in your specific case
- Tell you whether you will win or what outcome to expect
- Choose a strategy for you, such as whether to settle or go to trial
- Represent you in court or speak for you to the judge
- Talk to the other side on your behalf
- Keep your information confidential the way a lawyer would; there is usually no attorney-client relationship
If you need someone on your side who can advise you and keep what you say private, that is the role of a lawyer.
Information vs. advice
The line between "legal information" and "legal advice" can be confusing. Here is a simple way to think about it:
- Information: "This form is used to respond to a complaint. Here is where you list your defenses. It must be filed with the clerk and a copy served on the other side."
- Advice: "In your situation, you should raise this specific defense."
Self-help staff can usually provide the first kind of help but not the second.
How a self-help center differs from legal aid
Legal aid organizations are separate from courts. They are usually nonprofit organizations that may provide free legal advice and, in some cases, a lawyer to represent you. Many limit their services to people with low incomes or to certain types of cases.
The USAGov legal aid page lists resources such as the Legal Services Corporation, LawHelp.org, law school pro bono programs, and the American Bar Association's free legal answers site for people with low incomes. Self-help center staff can often refer you to these programs.
How to prepare for a visit
You will get more out of a self-help center if you come prepared:
- Bring all your court papers, including anything you received from the other side.
- Write down key dates, such as hearing dates and the date you received papers.
- Write a short summary of your situation and your questions.
- Bring identification and your case number, if you have one.
- Ask about hours and wait times in advance. Some centers are busy, and some require appointments.
- Take notes during your visit, including the names of forms and any deadlines mentioned.
When to look for a lawyer
A self-help center is a good fit for straightforward procedural questions. Consider talking to a lawyer when:
- The other side has a lawyer
- Your case involves children, your home, your immigration status, or a possible jail sentence
- You do not understand your options or the risks
- You have received papers with a short deadline
- Your case has become more complicated than expected
Even a short consultation can help. Our legal guides explain how to find and check a lawyer, and if your case is a family matter, you can learn about family and divorce lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a court self-help center free?
Court self-help services are often offered at no charge, but this depends on the court. Court filing fees are separate. Ask the center or the clerk's office.
Can self-help staff fill out my forms for me?
Policies vary. Many centers explain how to complete forms and may check them for completeness, but you remain responsible for the information you provide.
Will the self-help center tell the judge about my case?
Self-help staff generally do not represent you or speak for you in court. You or your lawyer present your case to the judge.
Can both sides use the same self-help center?
Usually yes. That is one reason self-help staff stay neutral and do not give legal advice to either side.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.