Understand Your Rights. Find the Right Forms.

Plain-English legal information for everyday problems in the United States: how to find official court forms, how to put a complaint in writing, and where to get free or low-cost legal help. General information only, not legal advice.

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Housing & TenantRepairs, notices and putting requests in writing ConsumerBilling problems, refunds, scams and where to complain Small ClaimsFinding your court's official forms and self-help center EmploymentUnpaid wages, discrimination and who handles complaints Legal HelpFree or low-cost lawyers and legal aid near you

Quick answers

Where do I get official court forms?

From the court that will hear your case. For most everyday cases that is a state court, so go to your state judiciary's official website and look for “Self-Help” or “Forms.” Federal court forms are at uscourts.gov. Read the guide.

How do I ask my landlord for repairs?

In writing. Describe the problem and when it started, attach dated photos, ask for the repair by a reasonable date, and keep proof that you sent it. Read the guide.

A company won't fix my problem. What now?

Send a clear written complaint to the company first. If that fails, escalate to the right agency, such as the CFPB for financial products or the FTC for fraud. Read the guide.

Guides

GuideHow to Find Official Court FormsWhere real court forms live, and how to avoid paid look-alikes.GuideHow to Write a Repair Request Letter to Your LandlordPut the problem in writing, clearly and calmly, with proof.GuideHow to Write a Consumer Complaint LetterFacts, dates, the fix you want, and where to escalate.

Free documents

General worksheets you can fill in. Not court forms and not legal advice.

Free documentRepair Request Letter WorksheetFill-in letter to ask your landlord for repairs. Word + PDF.Free documentEvidence Checklist & LogOrganize photos, receipts, messages and a timeline. PDF + Excel.

Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help

If your problem is serious, such as an eviction, a lawsuit against you, or a deadline you are not sure about, talk to a lawyer or a legal aid office. These are good places to start:

USAGov: Find affordable legal aid: the federal government's list of legal aid and pro bono programs.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC): find a legal aid organization for people with low incomes.
LawHelp.org: free legal aid and self-help information, organized by state.
Your state court's self-help center: on your state judiciary's official website, look for “Self-Help,” “Help Center” or “Forms.”

More legal help options

Learn the Law

Want background on how US law works? Our sister project, the CampusDown Wiki, explains legal concepts and landmark cases in plain English.

Browse law articles on CampusDown Wiki

Editorial Standards

Official sources firstWe link to courts and government agencies so you can check the rule yourself.
No state guessesLaws differ by state and city. We describe general steps and tell you where to find local rules instead of guessing them.
Not legal adviceWe are not a law firm. Our guides help you get organized; a lawyer or legal aid office can advise on your situation.

Read our editorial policy and legal information disclaimer.