Representing Yourself & Fee Waivers Category: Courts and Procedure
Legal Correspondence: Letters for Lawsuits
Letters in legal disputes and lawsuits often serve two purposes: first, to communicate in a clear, professional manner, and second, to document what was said or done for later use in court. The books and online resources in this Research Guide can help create effective, professional letters for many situations....
Read MoreLegal Document Assistants
Preparing legal documents can be an intimidating task, and many California residents seek the assistance of an attorney when feeling overwhelmed by paperwork. The pressure to know the law and to complete the forms correctly can be daunting to those trying to do everything themselves. Depending on your legal needs,...
Read MoreWhat is legal malpractice?
Attorneys have a duty to their clients use such skill, prudence, and diligence as members of the legal profession commonly possess and exercise (the “standard of care”). Malpractice occurs when the attorney breaches that duty; and the breach causes injury; and the injury causes actual loss or damage. Common forms...
Read MoreShould I represent myself in court?
Adapted in part from shlep: the Self-Help Law ExPress, “Should I go it alone” If you have been sued, or you are planning to sue someone, you may be wondering if it's possible to go to court without a lawyer. It is permitted, but it's not necessarily a good idea....
Read MoreShould I Answer?
Responding to a Breach of Contract Lawsuit Lee en español When a lawsuit is started against you, the Plaintiff will have you served with a Summons and Complaint. These documents formally notify you that a lawsuit has been initiated, and what the lawsuit is about. What are my options? You...
Read MoreSH@LL (Self Help @ the Law Library) (formerly Civil Self Help Center)
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Fee Waivers: Ask the Court to Waive or Lower the Cost of Fees
Background California Government Code §§ 68630 et. seq. permit the court to waive court fees and costs for litigants in certain financial situations. Your court fees may be waived if: You are receiving public benefits such as Medi-Cal, Food Stamps, General Assistance, Cal-Works, SSI, SSP, etc. Your household income is...
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