Mission
Statement
"To ensure access to the judicial system
by providing basic resources to self-represented
individuals by establishing the usage of self-help
court forms and encouraging local courts to develop
their own pro se assistance programs."
About Indiana Pro Se and the Self-Service Legal
Project
Indiana courts and court clerks handle more than
1.5 million cases per year, ranging from capital
murder cases and multi-million dollar corporate
lawsuits, to divorces, minor traffic infractions
and rental disputes. The cost and importance of
these cases vary greatly from case to case depending
on the circumstances and the people involved. More
often than not, people utilize the services of an
attorney to help them in these matters. However,
the Indiana Supreme Court recognizes the fact that
in some instances people involved in litigation
choose not to utilize the services of an attorney.
15-member
committee
In response, the Indiana Supreme Court has laid
the groundwork for a statewide pro se assistance
network to provide basic resources to self-represented
litigants. The Supreme Court created the Indiana
Pro Se Advisory Committee in response to the growing
national phenomenon of people choosing to represent
themselves without lawyers. The Advisory Committee
was appointed to make recommendations to the Supreme
Court on the issues of pro se litigation; to develop
a comprehensive strategy plan for future pro se
efforts; and to help trial courts respond to the
growing numbers of the self-represented. The Committee
also provides basic resources to pro se litigants
including uniform, statewide pro se forms (some
forms are available in Spanish); it encourages
local courts to develop their own pro se assistance
programs; and it works with the Pro Se Project Director.
The Indiana Pro Se Advisory Committee is comprised
of judicial officers, county clerks, Bar representatives,
legal services providers, librarians, and other
community members. The Division of State Court Administration
houses and administers the Project with the help
of David Remondini, Counsel to the Chief Justice.
The Role of this Web-site
This website has been designed to provide valuable
information, court forms, and various resources to
those persons wishing to represent themselves in
court. It should be noted, however, that
self-representation should not be taken lightly, and
that there are many instances in which retaining an
attorney is highly advisable. In fact, we suggest
that even if you use the forms provided on this site
that you still consult with an attorney prior to
submitting them to a court.
The Self-Service Legal Center contains plenty of
information to help you help yourself. You will find
various court forms required by the courts and
instructions on completing them. You will also find
various court forms and other useful documents that
have been translated into Spanish with the help of
the Indiana Hispanic Law Project. This website will
also show you different ways to find an attorney to
assist you with your case; an explanation of
mediation and a list of certified mediators;
suggestions on preparing for court; items that court
staff can and cannot help you with; web links to
legal dictionaries and other legal materials; links
to various courts in Indiana and the United States;
and links to other self-service sites.
Contact Us
Questions, suggestions or comments about this project
should be directed to:
Camille Wiggins, Staff Attorney
(317) 232-2542
cwiggins@courts.state.in.us
If you have any questions about the forms contained
herein, please consult an attorney for advice. The Project's Director cannot offer legal advice.
Thank you! |