When you represent yourself in a court case, you are proceeding “pro se,” which is a Latin term meaning “on one’s own behalf.” The right to appear pro se in federal civil cases is provided by 28 U.S.C. § 1654, but the following limitations apply:

• Corporations and partnerships must be represented by an attorney.
• A pro se litigant may not represent a class in a class action lawsuit.
• Other than to appeal the denial of a child’s social security benefits, a non-attorney parent may not appear pro se on behalf of a child.

We hope that the forms and information provided in the menus on this page are helpful, but they are not a substitute for legal advice from an experienced attorney. Furthermore, please be advised that the Clerk's Office and its employees are forbidden by law from giving legal advice such as interpreting rules or deadlines, recommending a course of action, predicting when a judge might rule, or interpreting the meaning or effect of a court order or judgment. 

Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, and court staff are prohibited from giving legal advice. Civil cases not subject to this court’s jurisdiction may be dismissed without refund of the filing fee. If a case is subject to another federal court’s jurisdiction, it may also be transferred by court order. This court’s Miscellaneous Case docket is designated for limited filings ancillary to other federal cases; other matters that do not seek relief from a judge of this court are not eligible for acceptance. (The clerk does not otherwise screen cases for proper jurisdiction; ensure your case is subject to this court’s jurisdiction before you file.)

If you proceed pro se, please be advised that:

• You may not initiate an action in this district via email or electronic filing (e-filing). Please see Local Civil Rules 5(a)(1)(B) and 5(a)(2)(B). To initiate an action in this district, you must mail your documents in paper to the division in which you intend to file. A court directory is available here. After you have filed your first document in paper in a case, you may register to e-file. Please see the Invitation to Non-Prisoner Pro Se to E-Filing / Consent to Receive Electronic Notice for registration and e-filing instructions. (Even if you do not want to e-file, you may also use the form to register to receive notice of orders and other filings in your case via email.)
• Your filings are subject to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of this court.
• In addition to the forms available on our website here, you may find additional civil forms on the www.uscourts.gov website here.