Lawsuitforms.org is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping people gain access to the civil justice system in California.
Affording an attorney might not be possible for everyone. But it should not stop you from representing yourself competently in court.
Our 'California Lawsuit Forms' package is a complete guide with easy to use forms and templates. It will show you how to file or answer a lawsuit in California Superior Court without an attorney! This guide is a 100% digital download and is available for use immediately after your purchase. It includes 10 separate modules and numerous forms, samples, and templates. No shipping required!
Keep reading below to learn more about our guides and watch the video for a brief overview of the civil litigation process.
Learn How to File or Respond to a Lawsuit in California with our Forms and Guides
While no legal guide can cover every possible scenario, our 'California Lawsuit Forms' guide covers all the major aspects of filing and/or responding to a civil lawsuit in California, broken down into 10 concise, easy to understand modules, specifically designed to be used by anyone, regardless of their legal knowledge. Regardless of whether your need to sue someone or are being sued, our California guide will allow you to represent yourself.
In addition to detailed, yet easy to understand guides covering the civil litigation process, our guide also contains the following forms and templates:
Civil Complaint Forms (Module 2a)
- A fully editable MS Word form template for writing and filing your civil complaint.
- A PDF version of a blank civil complaint form that you can fill out by hand if you do not want to use the MS Word version of the form.
- A sample of a completely filled out civil complaint.
- Extra pleading pages in case you need more space when using the hand-fill forms.
Civil Complaint Answer Forms (Module 2b)
- A fully editable MS Word form template for writing and filing a verified or unverified answer to a civil complaint.
- A PDF version of a blank civil complaint answer form that you can fill out by hand if you do not want to use the MS Word version of the form.
- Samples of a completely filled out answer to a civil complaint.
- Extra pleading pages in case you need more space when using the hand-fill forms.
RFP Forms (Module 5)
- A fully editable MS Word template for writing a request for production of documents in California.
- A fully editable MS Word template for responding to a request for production of documents.
- PDF versions of both RFP forms that you can fill out by hand if you do not want to use the MS Word version of the forms.
- A sample of a completely filled out California RFP and a response to an RFP.
In addition to the above forms, this guide includes ALL of the following as 100% digital files, available for download immediately after purchase. No shipping is required (an email will be sent to you with a download link and you must have the ability to open MS Word and PDF files to use these forms and guides ).
Module 1: Intro to Civil Litigation in California
Learn the basics of how a lawsuit proceeds in civil courts, from the filing of a civil summons and complaint, all the way through presenting a case at trial.
Module 2a: How to File a Lawsuit in California
Learn how to write a California civil complaint and properly allege the elements of your claims.
This module includes forms, samples, and templates that are specifically formatted for California Superior Court and will allow you to draft a professional civil complaint on par with anything written by an attorney.
Module 2b: How to Answer to a Lawsuit in California
Learn how to write an answer to a civil complaint in California and properly allege your defenses.
This module includes forms, samples, and templates that are specifically formatted for California Superior Court and will allow you to draft a professional answer on par with anything written by an attorney.
Module 3: Pretrial Motions
Learn the basics of pre-trial motion practice and the differences between motions to dismiss, motions to strike, and motions for summary judgment.
Module 4: The Discovery Process
After the defendant has filed an answer you will need to engage in discovery. Learn the general process of how to obtain relevant evidence from the defendant and how to depose witnesses.
Module 5: How to Send and Respond to Requests for Production in California
Sending and responding to RFPs is one of the most important parts of civil litigation. Learn how to send an RFP in California, respond to the defendant's RFP, and how to properly object to unlawful requests.
This module includes forms, samples, and templates that are specifically formatted for California courts and will allow you to draft professional RFPs and RFP responses.
Module 6: How to Obtain and Compile Evidence
What if you need crucial evidence or testimony from someone who is not part of the lawsuit? Learn how to subpoena witnesses and request documents from third parties.
Module 7: Trial and Arbitration
You have the evidence to support your claims, but now what? Learn what to expect at trial or arbitration and how to present your case.
Module 8: A Guide to the Courtroom
An easy to follow guide that will show you how to comport yourself in the courtroom, including guidance on how to act in front of the judge and opposing counsel, how to interview witnesses, how to introduce your exhibits, and how to offer objections to testimony and exhibits.
Module 9: Legal Glossary
A comprehensive legal glossary containing definitions of some of the most common legal terms you are likely to encounter, all written in an easy to understand manner with a minimum of legal jargon.
