Going to court without a lawyer can be intimidating. You may not know where to find forms, how to file documents properly, or what to expect at a hearing. Luckily, Maricopa County offers many resources online to help people representing themselves, also called pro se litigants. Let’s walk through what you can find on the county clerk of court’s website and the county superior court’s website.
Maricopa County Clerk of Court
The clerk of court handles administrative duties like maintaining court records, collecting fees, issuing licenses, and more. Their website has a whole section dedicated to helping pro se litigants.
Here are some of the key things you can find:
Legal Information and Clinics
- AZCourtHelp – Has court forms, live chat to ask questions, legal clinics, and referrals to legal aid. This is a great starting point if you’re unsure where to begin.
- AZLawHelp – Details on court processes, legal assistance options, and frequently asked questions.
- FreeLegalAnswers – Virtual legal advice for those who qualify. You apply online to see if you’re eligible.
- Law Library Resource Center – Offers court forms sorted by case type, free legal clinics, and a database of resources. More on this below.
Forms and Documents
- Clerk’s Office Court Forms – Forms sorted by case type like family, civil, or probate.
- AZCourtHelp Form Finder – Finds forms based on your legal situation.
- AZPOINT – An online tool to fill out orders of protection and injunctions against harassment.
- Legal Document Preparer – Can assist with preparing legal documents for a fee.
Legal Advice and Assistance
- Community Legal Services – Free legal help for those who qualify in some civil cases.
- Modest Means Project – Reduced-cost legal help for those who don’t qualify for free aid.
- Probate Lawyers Assistance Project – Free legal advice for probate cases if eligible.
The clerk’s website also has information on obtaining marriage licenses, filing documents, researching cases, making payments, and more.
Maricopa County Superior Court
The superior court’s website has a section called the Law Library Resource Center with extensive resources for pro se litigants.
Here are key offerings:
Electronic Case Access
- eAccess – Paid subscription to access electronic court records.
- ECR – Register to access records in your superior court case online.
- Justice Court Records – Search histories for justice court cases.
- Superior Court Records – Get info like calendars and minute entries for your case.
Navigating the Court
- Rules of Court – Links to rules governing how cases proceed in AZ courts.
- Court Forms – Local and statewide AZ court forms.
- Court Tools – Info on child support, fees, and sentencing guidelines.
- Appeals Guides – Sample forms and info if you’re handling an appeal.
Self-Help Resources
- AZCourtHelp and AZLawHelp – See clerk of court website.
- Bankruptcy Help – Aid for filing bankruptcy without an attorney.
- Domestic Violence Resources – Support services and legal help.
- Immigration Help – Resources for immigration law issues.
- Lawyer Referral Services – Official county bar association referral program.
- Manuals for Pro Se Asylum Seekers – How to find evidence.
Benefits of Courtroom5 Membership
Handling a case pro se can be done, but it’s always best to have a lawyer on your side if possible. If you can’t retain an attorney, Courtroom5 provides an affordable option to handle your case on your own. You get step-by-step guidance through the maze of litigation, training to avoid common rookie mistakes, and access to professionals for document review, hearing prep, and other key tasks. Join today!
