Pro Se Legal Templates, Moot Court & Court Prep Tools

Filing checklists

Before you file any paper

Read your court's local rules for format, page limits, and fonts Confirm the docket number and the judge's name Put the caption on every page-one exactly as the court has it Remove Social Security, card, and account numbers (redact or use last four digits) Sign and date the document Make a copy for yourself and one for each other party Confirm the filing fee, or ask about a fee waiver

Filing a motion

Notice of motion with hearing date if your court requires one Supporting statement or brief Proposed order Exhibits, labeled and referenced in the text Certificate of service Check the deadline for opposition and reply papers

Answering a complaint

Note the date you were served and calculate your deadline Respond to every numbered paragraph List defenses you want to keep Add counterclaims if you have them Certificate of service File before the deadline, not on it

Day before a hearing

Confirm date, time, courtroom, and check-in rules Bring three copies of everything you plan to hand up Prepare a two-minute summary of what you are asking for Plan your route and arrive early

Filing workspace

Filing checklists

Before you file any paper

Filing a motion

Answering a complaint

Day before a hearing

Notice summarizer