Representing Yourself in Court
Guidance and legal resources for self-represented (Pro Se) litigants.
Representing yourself in court can be challenging. This page provides self-help resources, court forms, checklists, videos, and guidance to help you navigate common family law and civil court processes within the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Important: Self-represented litigants must follow the same court rules and procedures as attorneys. Court staff can provide procedural information but cannot provide legal advice.
Understanding the Court Process
New to representing yourself in court? These guides and resource centers can help you understand court procedures, family law cases, and available support services before filing forms or attending hearings.
Representing Yourself in Civil Court
Learn about court procedures, expectations, and responsibilities when representing yourself in a civil case.
Pinellas Court Resources
Information about self-help services and court resources available in Pinellas County.
Pasco Court Resources
Find self-help services, legal resources, and court assistance available in Pasco County.
Where to Begin
Use these resources to understand court procedures, locate forms, and find self-help services.
County Resources
Find assistance and court resources in Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Court Forms
Access approved Florida court forms and local forms.
Administrative Orders
Review court procedures and administrative requirements.
Law Libraries
Research legal information and court procedures.
Important: Many forms are provided in PDF format. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and complete forms.
Representing Yourself in Family Court
Resources for divorce, child support, parenting plans, custody matters, paternity, and family law proceedings.
Divorce and Family Law
Get step-by-step guidance for divorce, alimony, property division, and related family law proceedings.
Children and Parenting Issues
Find information on parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, paternity, and custody matters.
Parent Education Courses
Locate state-approved parent education and family stabilization courses required by the court.
Case Progression Checklists
Select the checklist that best matches your situation.
Pasco County Checklists
Pinellas County Checklists
County-Specific Resources
Each county clerk maintains its own self-help center, forms library, and educational videos.
Pasco County Resources
Pinellas County Resources
Commonly Used Court Forms
Approved forms for use in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Review the instructions carefully before filing.
Pasco County Forms
Locally Approved Forms
Important: Acrobat Reader will enable you to fill out the application and print it during one session. You must complete the entire application and print it, the file cannot be saved.
Children and Parenting Issues
Find information on parenting plans, time-sharing, child support, paternity, and custody matters.
Parenting Plan
Income
Florida Statutes
Divorce FAQs
Preparing for Virtual Court Hearings
Many family and civil hearings in the Sixth Circuit are conducted remotely. Be prepared before you log in.
Before Your Hearing
Special Hearing Forms and Referrals
If your case has been referred to a General Magistrate or Child Support Hearing Officer, you may need additional forms and instructions before your hearing. Select the option below that applies to your case.
General Magistrate Hearings St. Petersburg
Use these forms when your case has been referred to a General Magistrate. An Order of Referral is required before a hearing can be scheduled.
Child Support Hearing Officer St. Petersburg
Forms and instructions for Department of Revenue (DOR/Title IV-D) child support cases handled in St. Petersburg.
Child Support Hearing Officer Pasco County
Forms and instructions for Department of Revenue (DOR/Title IV-D) child support cases in New Port Richey and Dade City.
Additional Legal Resources
Trusted statewide and local resources to help you research your case.
Florida Courts Help
Florida Courts Help is your guide to direct you through the court system.
Florida Family Law
Forms
Statewide approved family law forms library.
Florida Statutes
Search official Florida laws applicable to your case.
Parent Education
Providers
Court-approved parenting course providers.
Important: Self-represented litigants must follow the same court rules and procedures as attorneys. Court staff can provide procedural information but cannot provide legal advice.
Still Need Help?
Court staff cannot provide legal advice, but self-help resources and legal assistance programs may be available online.