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SCAM ALERT

The Court is aware that a scammer is spoofing the court's telephone number and calling people claiming they are a Deputy from the US District Court. The recipients of the phone calls are told that they did not respond to a subpoena, and they need to post a bond or turn themselves into the Tahoe City Courthouse.  These calls are NOT affiliated with the court.

COVID-19 Update:

Pursuant to Executive Order 205, appropriate face coverings are strongly recommended at the Nevada City and Truckee Courthouses. View updates related to COVID-19.

Alert:

Do not visit any Nevada County Courthouse if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19; have had direct exposure to someone known to have COVID-19; or if you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, headache or shortness of breath. Instead, contact your attorney or call the court at (530) 362-4309 to arrange an alternative.

Self-Help Center

The Superior Court of Nevada County offers free help to the public. We help with a variety of basic legal issues and types of cases, including family law and small claims. 

- Ask us your questions by phone or email
- Get help with court forms at a workshop
- Find step by step instructions online

Services we offer

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.

The Self-Help Center CANNOT:

  • give you legal or strategy advice.
  • 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 appeal

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

 

We will be closed on Friday, January 27, 2023 for training.  

 

Starting January 11, 2023, the Self-Help Staff will be in the Truckee Courthouse the second Wednesday of each month.  The Nevada City Office will be CLOSED on those dates.  Law Library in Nevada City will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 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.  

Self Help Center in Truckee 2023

 

January 11, 2023

July 12, 2023

February 8, 2023

August 9, 2023

March 8, 2023

September 13, 2023

April 12, 2023

October 11, 2023

May 10, 2023

November 9, 2023

June 14, 2023

December 13, 2023

 

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

 

2023 Holidays

New Year's Day (2023)

Monday, January 2

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Monday, January 16

Lincoln's Birthday

Monday, February 13

President's Day

Monday, February 20

Cesar Chavez Day

Friday, March 31

Memorial Day

Monday, May 29

Juneteenth

Monday, June 19

Independence Day

Tuesday, July 4

Labor Day

Monday, September 4

Native American Day

Friday, September 22

Veterans Day

Friday, November 10

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 23

Day After Thanksgiving

Friday, November 24

Christmas Day

Monday, December 25

 

We will be closed on Friday, January 27, 2023 for training.  

 

Email will be returned as staffing allows.  Priority is given to walk-in patrons.  There is no time estimate for return of email.   Currently, staff transition impacts availability of services and wait time. 

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

Types of Cases

We can help you help yourself with most non-criminal legal problems.  We cannot help with Federal law or appeals. We have detailed resources on these areas:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution

    The Self-Help Center offers services for mediation and arbitration.

    Go to ADR

  • Small Claims

    The Small Claims Advisor is available through the Self-Help Center located in the Law Library.

    Go to Small Claims

  • Family Law Facilitator

    The office of the Family Law Facilitator assists self-represented parties with child support, spousal support and health insurance issues.

    Go to Family Law Facilitator

Top California Court FAQs

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

Additional Resources

  • SHARP Portal

    The SHARP portal walks through many kinds of forms.

    Go to SHARP

  • Sacramento Law Library

    You can do research through the Sacramento County Law Library. They post Sacramento-specific addresses and court procedures, but the general information is very helpful.

    Go to Law Library

  • Legal Services of Northern California

    For additional help, contact the Auburn office of Legal Services of Northern California.

    Go to LSNC

  • Online Resources

    View a collection of additional self-help resources available online.

    Go to Online Resources

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