Common Mistakes That You Can Avoid:

Feedback from the Courts

(3 Tips from the Court)

Here is what the court staff see as the most common errors made by attorneys and members of the public representing themselves.

You forget to sign the court documents (pleadings).
You don't include the required attachments (exhibits) with the papers that you file with the court.
You fail to provide the correct addresses to serve the papers on the other side. (The address should include the local subdivision and/or county as well as the apartment number if there is one.)
You do not provide detailed directions to help the sheriff to find the other party to give them a copy (serve) of the court papers.
You submit the wrong filing fees. (Call the court clerk if you are not sure or check this online list of fees.)
Self-represented persons often sue the wrong party, especially when trying to sue a business. Read how to find the correct “legal person” and agent for serving your papers - See who to sue.

Tip on traffic accidents cases – Sue the driver who caused your injury or property damage, not the insurance company. District Court staff report that this is another common mistake.

You do not complete all the blanks in the court papers (pleadings).
You fail to include everyone who must be part of this case. See Who You Can Sue.
There is another related case and you do not mention it. Check court records for other related cases or pending cases.
You fail to verify certain supporting documents under oath. For more information see Document Requirements.
Do Not Give the Court Papers to the Other Side Yourself - You cannot personally give the documents to the other side. You need to follow the special rules on how to “serve” (or notify) the other side about the case. See the Questions and Answers on Serving the Other Side.
Additional Copies for Service Required – A common mistake is the failure to provide additional copies of court documents (or pleadings) for serving (giving copies to the other side).
Don’t Forget to Actually Mail the Documents - Failure to actually mail the documents as required by a Certificate of Service is another common mistake. In addition, make sure the date in the certificate of service is true and accurate. See the Library section on Service for more information.

3 Tips From The Court

Keep Copies - You should always keep extra copies of all pleadings, letters to the judges, and anything dealing with the case.
Finding Your Vital Records - If you need help locating some of your records, visit our Finding Your Vital Records Page.
Serving Certain Documents - If you plan on using certain documents (such as certified business records) for court, you will need to send a copy to the other side. Again, please remember to do this well in advance of the court date.