- About 2 minread
- General ideashold in most courts
- Checked October 26, 2026educational only
Court staff can usually explain where to file and what a form is for. They generally cannot give legal advice, pick a strategy for you, or bend the rules. Expect to follow the same basic rules as everyone else.
What court staff can usually do
- Tell you where and how to file, and what the office hours are.
- Tell you what a form is called and what it is generally for.
- Tell you the status of your case and the next date on the calendar.
What they generally cannot do
- Tell you what to say, what to ask for, or whether you will win.
- Fill out papers for you in a way that decides what your case is about.
- Skip a rule or deadline because you didn't have a lawyer.
What judges expect
Judges want to understand what you are asking and why. Papers that are clear, short, respectful, and on time make that easier. You will not be graded on fancy language.
Why this matters
If you expect a clerk to coach you, you may be disappointed. If you know in advance who can help with what, you can line up the right help earlier.
New York specificallySee how New York courts handle self-represented people →Read the New York version. Pro Se Posse keeps the general ideas here; the New York details live in our reference library.Last checked: October 26, 2026. This page covers general ideas that hold in most courts. Rules differ by state and by court, so look up the rules for yours.
Educational information only. Not legal advice, not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship. Nothing here tells you what to do in your own case.