Where Can I Find Forms?

1. To start a case, find a form for a Petition. Look for a form for a petition in the kind of case you are starting. If your case involves domestic violence and you want to get a protective order, please go to the Protective Order page.
2. The TexasLawHelp.org website has free forms for many kinds of very simple cases. It is important for you to understand, that not all courts in Texas accept forms from TexasLawHelp.org.  Call the clerk's office to find out whether the courts in your area will accept forms from TexasLawHelp.org. There are 2 ways to get forms from TexasLawHelp.
   • First, TexasLawHelp has forms that a computer program will fill out for you.  The website will ask you questions and fill out the forms with your answers.  At the end, you can print out the completed form.
   • Second, TexasLawHelp has blank forms that you can print off the website and fill in yourself.
3. The eFile Texas Self Help website has free forms for several kinds of cases. Persons who represent themselves may choose to file their documents electronically (hence “e-filing”) through eFile Texas instead of taking or sending their documents to the clerk’s office.  The eFile Texas Self Help website will help you electronically fill out the form you want to file and submit it to the clerk of the court where you want it filed.  E-filing requires that you select a service provider (an EFSP—Electronic Filing Service Provider), who will help you file your documents electronically.  There are several EFSPs that offer free filing.  You are not required to use e-filing, but you may use it.
4. Libraries may have forms. Check with a law library, a public library, the State Law Library, or their toll-free number 1-844-829-2843. Be careful about forms you find in stores or on websites – they may not be up-to-date or correct under Texas law.
5. Help filling out forms. There are a few free ways to get help:
   • Use TexasLawHelp’s LiveHelp chat service to talk to a lawyer or a law student who can provide assistance.
   • Some counties have self-help centers where you can get help filling out forms in family law cases.
   • Free legal advice clinics are another option where you may be able to get help filling out forms.
6. File the lawsuit. When you have filled out your Petition, the next step is to file the lawsuit with the clerk of the court. If you are using eFiling, see number 3 above.