Easy-to-Understand Forms and Instructions
At the window and online, the Court provides petition packets that include instructions and examples for filling out the petition properly. The Court has been updating its forms to use plain language and simplified instructions. Additionally, the Court has distributed state bar pamphlets and other flyers that specifically troubleshoot common problems that arise in self-represented cases.
Parties who access Court services through an attorney generally fare better than those without attorneys. Parties who cannot afford an attorney, or who have not found pro bono assistance, would ideally access the Court through the Court’s website or in person. Interacting directly with the Court allows self-represented parties to benefit from the instructional materials, videos, and flyers the Court provides, as well as the Court’s self-help desks and attorney referral information. Making materials and forms easy to understand is an important component of this approach.
Table of Contents (
Download Report)
- Introduction
- What Do We Know About Self-Represented Parties in our Court?
- How Many Self-Represented Parties Are There?
- Measuring Success
- Language Barriers
- Bankruptcy Petition Preparers
- Income Levels
- Literacy Issues
- Self-Represented Creditors
- Court Resources and the Impact of Large Numbers of Self-Represented Litigants
- Debtor ID Program
- Current Programs and Services for the Self-Represented
- The Court’s Website
- Personal Assistance from Court Staff
- Easy to Understand Forms and Instructions
- Assistance from Volunteers and Nonprofit Organizations
- Honor Roll
- Recruitment and Training of Volunteers
- Funding Sources for Non-Court Services
- Current Projects “Under Construction”
- Pathfinder Electronic Filing Project
- Proof of Service
- Video Instruction
- Future Surveys
- Call Center/Internet Live Chat
- Goals/Conclusion
- Exhibits