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 |
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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.
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:
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
The Self-Help Center offers services for mediation and arbitration.
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Small Claims
The Small Claims Advisor is available through the Self-Help Center located in the Law Library.
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Family Law Facilitator
The office of the Family Law Facilitator assists self-represented parties with child support, spousal support and health insurance issues.
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
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SHARP Portal
The SHARP portal walks through many kinds of forms.
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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.
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Legal Services of Northern California
For additional help, contact the Auburn office of Legal Services of Northern California.
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Online Resources
View a collection of additional self-help resources available online.