Basic Information

As a Pro Se Litigant, you have decided to represent yourself in a case. This is a complicated process which will require time, work and effort. Please be informed, you will be expected to know and follow the law and court rules just as any attorney.

In the Pro Se Litigant Handout you will find basic information that may be helpful as you initiate the legal process.

Below you will also find links to websites that may be helpful in this endeavor:

• Texas Law Help - This free guide offers civil legal information to Texans who cannot afford legal help.
• Texas Court Help - This website offers a variety of resources including a lawyer referral services link.
• State Bar of Texas - Provides a "Pro Se Divorce HandbooK" for individuals representing themselves in Family Court.
• Texas Young Lawyers Association - Provides Family Law resources on legal issues including how to obtain a Protective Order, Involuntary Commitment Procedures, Adoption Options and how to navigate the legal system after survyving domestic violence.
• Texas Courts Online - Provides self-help legal forms, publications and other court information.
• Texas Legal Services Center - A non-profit legal office which provides assistance and training to poverty law advocates and their clients in the areas of litigation support, education and communication.
• Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc. - a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents in sixty-eight counties of Southwest Texas.
• Texas State Law Library - The Texas State Law Library serves the legal research needs of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Supreme Court, Office of the Attorney General, other state agencies and commissions and the citizens of the state. The website offers links to commonly requested .
• Hidalgo County Law Library - Provides access to information on legal research for the Judiciary, State, and County Officials, Members of the State and Local Bar Associates, and all Citizens of Hidalgo County with the best collection of law books and services available.
• Hidalgo County Bar Association - The HCBA is dedicated to increasing the community's understanding and appreciation of the legal system.
• State Bar of Texas - The State Bar of Texas offers many different programs and services to help the public understand the legal system.
• American Bar Association - The American Bar provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.
• Office of Court Administration - The OCA is a state agency that provides resources and information for the efficient administration of the judicial branch of Texas.
• Office of Attorney General of Texas - The attorney general serves at the lawyer for the State of Texas and is charged to defend the laws and constitution of the state.
• Texas Advocacy Project - provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the state of Texas.
• National Father's Resource Center - At the NFRC you will find resource attorneys available, audio clips and other resources.