How the Clerk's Office Can Help

You can find help at the Clerk's Office at any courthouse. BUT... Workers in the Clerk's Office can't take sides or give legal advice.

How can a court clerk help?

 

Court Clerks Can:

• Explain court rules and procedures.
• Explain available options for your case or problem.
• Provide past case rulings.
• Provide cites to, or copies of, the law.
• Explain public court operations and jobs.
• Describe court records and their availability.
• Provide public case information.
• Tell you how to make a complaint.
• Refer you to other offices or persons.
• Provide forms with instructions.

 

Court Clerks Can't:

• Suggest the procedures you should follow.
• Provide opinions about which option to chose.
• Predict what the court will do.
• Analyze the law based on the specifics of your case.
• Provide information derived from the decision-making process.
• Provide access to sealed or confidential case records.
• Provide confidential case information.
• Give opinions about your complaint.
• Make referrals based on personal preference.
• Provide or suggest the information to enter on forms.

If you need help and don't know if you can get it: Please ask. Court staff will be happy to try and help.

Some courts and community organizations have special offices for helping people who don't have a lawyer.