Welcome. . .

. . .to the Third Judicial District Court’s online help page for people without a lawyer.

The hours of operation for the Pro-Se division is 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.

This web page was created to help you help yourself.  Here you will find information about the court-based services designed for people who represent themselves in civil cases at the Third Judicial District Court.

Should I Represent Myself?

That’s a good question.  People represent themselves for all sorts of reasons.  Sometimes a person cannot afford to hire a lawyer; sometimes they just want to do it themselves.  All too often, people think a lawsuit just can’t be that hard to do by themselves; we already pump our own gas and scan our own groceries!  But the truth is, acting as your own lawyer can be very difficult and very frustrating.

Click here for questions to ask yourself before you decide to represent yourself.

If I Represent Myself, What Is Expected of Me?

If you represent yourself, you will be held to the same standards as a lawyer.  You will be expected to know the law and the legal procedures for your case.  While this web page is designed to help you help yourself, rules limit what the Court and court staff can and cannot do for you.

Click here for what the court staff can and cannot do for you.

Ready?  Let’s Get Started!

Browse the pages listed in the left side bar for court-based services, court forms, and other valuable information.

Pro Se

Pronounced “pro say.”  It is a Latin term meaning
“for one’s self.”  You are “pro se” if you are not a
lawyer, but choose to represent yourself in court.

Self-Represented Litigant

If you decide to represent yourself, you are called
a “self-represented litigant” or a “pro se litigant.”  
Both terms mean you represent yourself.