Self-Help Legal Guides
Guides include instructions, checklists, and court forms for a variety of legal issues.
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I cannot afford my court fees.
Court Fees & Fee Waivers
The Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs or Appeal Bond -
Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
Virtual Court
Learn the virtual court procedures, who you need to contact, and more about the Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts. -
I want a court to order my child returned to me. (Habeas Corpus Guide)
Child Custody & Visitation
A writ of habeas corpus is a legal tool for enforcing a superior right of possession to a child. -
I want to get a TRO, temporary injunction, and temporary orders in a child custody emergency.
Child Custody & Visitation
How to ask the court for a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, and temporary orders during a child custody emergency. -
I need to update my address and other information with the court.
Court Basics
This guide tells you how and when to update your address and other personal information with the court and other parties in a Texas court case. ... -
I want to adopt an adult in Texas.
Adoption
Establish a legal parent-child relationship—with all the associated rights and responsibilities. -
Harris County District Courts
Virtual Court
Learn the virtual court procedures, who you need to contact, and more about the Harris County District Courts. -
Expunction Prep Guide
Adult Criminal Records
Determine if you qualify for an expunction to clear your criminal record. -
How to Serve the Initial Court Papers (Family Law)
Divorce
How to serve the initial court papers in a family law matter (such as a divorce, custody, modification, child's name change, or paternity case). ... -
I need a custody order. I am not the child's parent (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
How to ask for a custody, visitation, child support, and medical support order. For grandparents and other nonparents. -
I need a custody order. I am the child's parent (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
This guide tells you how to ask for a custody, visitation, child support, medical support, and dental support order. -
I need a paternity order.
Paternity
How to ask the court to name a child's legal father. A paternity order may include orders about custody, visitation, child support, medical support... -
I need to respond to a custody case (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
How to quickly respond to a custody case when it is part of a 'Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship' (SAPCR). -
I want to understand the immigration process.
Individual Rights
This guide can help you understand the United States immigration process. -
I need to respond to a modification case.
Child Custody & Visitation
This guide explains your options if your child’s other parent (or someone else) has filed a modification case to change an existing custody, visita... -
I need an Occupational Driver’s License.
Occupational Driver’s License
Ask for a special restricted license that lets you drive a noncommercial vehicle for work, school, or to perform essential household duties. -
Exempt Property in Debt Collection: Forms and Instructions
Exempt Property
This guide explains what property is protected (or "exempt") from creditors and what you need to do if your exempt money or property has been take... -
I want to terminate my rights. I mistakenly thought I was the genetic father (Termination).
Paternity
How to ask a judge to terminate your parental rights if you were mistakenly named as a child’s legal father. -
I want to dismiss (nonsuit) a case I filed.
Court How-Tos (Civil Procedure)
Here are tools for dismissing a case: a concept called "taking a nonsuit" in Texas. -
I want to use a Small Estate Affidavit to probate an estate.
Small Estates (Transferring Property When Someone Dies)
How to transfer a modest estate if someone died, left no will, and had only a homestead occupied by the deceased and their survivor(s). -
How to Serve the Initial Divorce Papers
Divorce
How to serve the initial divorce papers -
Eviction Answer
Eviction & Other Landlord Issues
How to answer an eviction suit. -
I need to do legal research.
Court Basics
This guide explains how to do legal research. -
Identity Theft
Identity Theft
If you're a victim of identity theft or think your information is at risk, learn what steps to take. -
I am an immigrant and want to know more about employment law.
Individual Rights
This guide is designed to provide you with information to help you understand your employment rights if you are an immigrant and how employment law... -
I want to request public records.
Court How-Tos (Civil Procedure)
Texas’ Public Information Act gives you the right to access certain state government records that are public information. -
I want to pass on my house or land without probate.
Transfer on Death Deeds
Use this guide to create a Transfer on Death Deed that names who will inherit your property after you die. -
I want to annul or void my marriage.
Annulment & Void Marriages
How to ask a judge to declare a marriage invalid because of reasons that existed at the start of the marriage. -
Motion to Set Aside a Default Eviction Judgment
Eviction & Other Landlord Issues
This guide can help you ask for a new trial if you missed your eviction hearing for a good reason. -
I want to go to divorce court by Zoom.
Virtual Court
In a divorce suit, you can ask the court to appear by videoconference (like Zoom) or telephone, to allow "unsworn declarations" as evidence, and to...
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