Civil Self-Help Packets
Self-Help form packets generally include a group of fillable forms that are required to be completed in order to either begin or complete a case.
Unlawful Detainer (Evictions)
An unlawful detainer is a legal way for a landlord to evict a tenant. For more information on Unlawful Detainers, see the Evictions Page.
| Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Detainer - Complaint | Forms to start an unlawful detainer (eviction) case. | English | Complete Forms Online (external site) |
| Unlawful Detainer - Answer | Respond to an unlawful detainer (eviction). Should be filed within 5 days after you are served the summons and complaint. | English |
Complete Forms Online (external site) |
| Unlawful Detainer - Default Judgment |
Finish your eviction case. Requirement:
|
English |
Name Change
Legally changing your name or a minor's name by getting a court order. With a court order you can change your legal name on government-issued identification documents such as your driver's license, passport, and social security card. You will generally need a certified copy of the decree changing your name. For more information on name changes, see the Civil Self-Help Page.
| Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Change |
You can ask for a court order to:
|
Complete Forms Online (external site) |
Civil Harassment Restraining Order
A civil harassment restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from violence, stalking, serious harassment, or threats of violence.
In a civil harassment restraining order, you can ask to restrain:
- A neighbor,
- A roommate,
- A friend,
- A family member more than 2 degrees removed, like an aunt or uncle, a niece or nephew, cousins, and more distant relatives, or
- Other people you are not closely related to.
For more information on Civil Harassment, see the Civil Self-Help Page.
| Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request to Civil Harassment Restraining Order | Forms to request a civil harassment restraining order. | English |
Complete Forms Online (external site) |
| Response to Civil Harassment Restraining Order | Answer to Restraining order if you want to respond or defend yourself against a restraining order being placed against you. | English | Complete Forms Online (external site) |
Small Claims
Small Claims court is a special civil court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. The rules are simple and informal.
The maximum amount that you can sue for depends on who you are and who you are suing:
- An individual or Sole Proprietor - $12,500.00
- A Corporation or Business - $6,250.00
For more information on Small Claims, see the Small Claims Page.
| Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Claims - Plaintiff's Claim | Forms to start a small claims case. | Small Claims Process (external site) | |
| Small Claims - Defendant's Claim | If the Plaintiff owes you monies, you may file a Defendant's Claim. This is not a response. | Being Sued - Small Claims Self-Help (external site) | |
| Small Claims - COVID 19 Rental Debts | Forms for a landlord to start a COVID-19 rental debt case | Small Claims COVID-19 Rental Debts Process (External Site) |
Limited Civil
Limited Civil cases is where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less. For more information, click here.
| Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer to contract/ collections | Answer to respond to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. Tells the court and the other side that you challenge the Complaint-Contract, and what defenses you will raise. | English |