How to - Court basics

A guide to the basic things you may need to do in court, from filing court papers to asking for a disability accommodation.

If you need more help or specific information about how or where to do something in your court, go to your court's website or contact the court clerk's office. You can do many things, like filing papers online (efling) or looking up a court case, on the court's website.

What do you need to do?

Find and fill out court forms

Where to find a court forms and basic on how you fill them out.
File court papers

How to file court papers and pay filing fees.
Serve court papers

Learn about service, an important and required part of the legal process.
Get a copy of court record

How to get a copy of a court record, like a copy of a judgment or order.
Look up a court case

Where to get basic information about your case, like what documents have been filed, and if you have a court date.
Get help from your court

Who at court can help answer your questions and what service your court provides.
Ask for an accommodation (ADA)

How to ask for an accommodation in court if you have a disability or limitation.
Ask for an interpreter

How to ask for an interpreter for your court date if you do not speak or understand english very well.
Get ready for remote hearing

How to go to your court hearing on your computer or by phone.
Find a law library near you

Law libraries are a great resource if you are representing yourself, or if you want learn about the law.
How courts work

Learn about the different types of courts in California.
Get legal help

Find free or low-cost legal help or hire an attorney.