Texas Judicial

Branch

Self-Help

Help for Courts Working with Self-Represented Litigants 

This page has information and resources for clerks and court personnel who work with self-represented litigants.

  • Legal Information vs. Legal Advice - These guidelines explain the difference between legal information and legal advice and give examples of ways that clerks and court personnel can give legal information without crossing the line and giving legal advice. 
  • Services for Self-Represented Litigants - This video contains a presentation made to representatives of court systems in various Texas counties at the 2012 Shared Solutions Summit.  It describes several low-cost innovations that courts can use to help them deal with self-represented litigants.
  • LawHelp.org - A national website with information and resources to help courts deal with self-represented litigants.  It contains best practices, brochures, signs, and educational materials.  Users must sign up to join, but it is free.

Referral Information (Places to Refer Self-Represented Litigants)

  • Texas Law Help - this website has information on many different legal topics for people who do not have an attorney.  It also has a Chat feature that allows the user to chat with an attorney.
  • Texas Court Help - this website has videos and general information about making one's way through the courts.  It includes information about how to find an attorney, where to find forms, how to get ready to go to court, and how to act in court.
  • Texas State Law Library - the State Law Library has Self-Help information, resources, and links.  Its Ask a Librarian feature allows users to communicate with a librarian by email.
  • Office of Court Administration Forms - OCA has posted several forms for use by Self-Represented Litigants.
    • Self-Help Notice Sign - Includes English and Spanish with QR Code
    • Self-Help Notice Sign (Location option) - Includes English and Spanish with QR Code and option to enter location.

Finding an Attorney

If the bar association in your area has a lawyer referral service, refer interested persons there and explain there may be a minimal charge.  If there is no referral service in your area, refer persons to the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS). This is a free service provided by the State Bar of Texas to help people find an attorney.