Self-Help Center

The Self-Help Center provides legal and procedural information and assistance with court forms to self-represented litigants.  We assist both sides of the case equally.  All services of the Self-Help Center are free of charge, other than costs of copying, printing and postage.

Self-Help Center CANNOT:

• give you legal or strategy advice. 
• answer any question that asks "Should?"
• have a confidential communication with you.  
• represent anyone in court. 
• have an attorney-client relationship with anyone.
• assist you if you are represented by an attorney. 
• help with federal cases, such as bankruptcy or social security, or
• help with appeals.

To get legal advice or have a confidential conversation, you must speak with a private attorney.

We will not be available in Nevada City for any purposes during Truckee dates or during training days. 

Click >here< to submit a question or request. We will reply as soon as we can when staff is available.  Priority is given to walk-in patrons.  Email will be returned as staffing allows.  There is no time estimate for return of email.  We do not currently have the staff to answer or return telephone calls. 

Self-Help Staff will be in the Truckee Courthouse the second Wednesday of each month.  The Nevada City Office will be CLOSED on those days.  Law Library in Nevada City will generally be open from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Please note that the Law Librarian is not Self-Help staff and CANNOT answer Self-Help, Family Law Facilitator or Small Claims Advisor questions.  

SPECIAL NOTICE - CENTER and LAW LIBRARY CLOSED: The Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator / Small Claims Advisor / Law Library will be closed on:

2024 Holidays

New Year's Day (2024)	Monday, January 1
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	Monday, January 15
Lincoln's Birthday	Monday, February 12
President's Day	Monday, February 19
Cesar Chavez Day	Monday, April 1
Memorial Day	Monday, May 27
Juneteenth	Wednesday, June 19
Independence Day	Thursday, July 4
Labor Day	Monday, September 2
Native American Day	Friday, September 27
Veterans Day	Monday, November 11
Thanksgiving	Thursday, November 28
Day After Thanksgiving	Friday, November 29
Christmas Day	Wednesday, December 25

 

While we are out, you can still help yourself. Useful links are on the Self-Help Tab.

Law Library

The Nevada County Law Library is the primary depository of legal reference materials for the County of Nevada and provides open access of these resources to all members of the community.

Step-by-step instructions online

The State of California provides online information and resources for people representing themselves in a court case. Access these easy-to-read step-by-step instructions for navigating your court case from any device. 

California Self-Help Guide

The following are links to the State of California's Self-Help Center frequently asked questions pages. Information is provided in English and Spanish.

Divorce & Separation
Custody & Parenting Time
Name Change
Small Claims
Restraining Orders
Evictions & Unlawful Detainer