Going to court on your own can be very stressful and confusing. Use the links and resources in this section to learn what to expect and find the help you need to represent yourself in court.
What can I expect?
Review some general guidelines about what court users can expect and what their responsibilities are when they come to court.
Find information about Court Help Centers, law libraries, how to access public records, how court clerks can help you, and how to get an interpreter for your case.
Look for the forms you need for your case and check to see if there is a fee for filing.
Learn about court structure, rules, administration, history, and which court is right for you.
Learn about the basic steps in New York State court cases, which court to start your case, how to find court forms, how to deliver legal papers, and how to ask the judge to do something in your case by an order to show cause or a motion. Also find information about settlements, discovery, trials, filing fees and fee waivers, and more.