Civil/Small Claims Self-Help Services
Civil self-help is designed to provide information and forms for people who are representing themselves in court. The information on this website is intended to help guide you through the court system.
Self-Help Info Centers
Self-Help Information Centers provide general assistance to people who do not have an attorney.
Read more about Self-Help Information Centers...
Self-Help Services - Restraining Orders
A civil harassment restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from violence, stalking, serious harassment, or threats of violence. You can ask for a civil harassment restraining order if:
For more information on Civil Harassment, see the California Courts Website Civil Harrasment Page (external site ).
Form Packet Name | Description | Form Links | Resources |
Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order | Forms to request a civil harassment restraining order. | English (pdf ) | Complete Forms Online (external site ) |
Response to Civil Harassment Restraining Order | Answer to Restraining order if you want to respond or defend yourself against a restraining order being placed against you. | English (pdf ) | Complete Forms Online (external site ) |
Request to Waive Court Fees | Request to the court to waive filing fees, copy fees, or other court fees. | English (pdf ) |
Information Packet (external site pdf ) |
In order to get a court order changing your name or a child’s name, you must file a petition in the Superior Court in the county where you live. You can then use the court order to change the birth certificate, passport, social security card, driver’s license, and other documents.
Most people solve their legal problems without a trial. “ADR” can help.
ADR (“Alternative Dispute Resolution”) is a way to solve legal problems without going through trial. Two examples are Arbitration and Mediation.
Arbitration is like a trial, but it is less formal. It takes place in an office, not a courtroom. The parties (people with a legal dispute) present their evidence to an “arbitrator.” The arbitrator decides who wins the case and how much they win. There are two kinds of arbitration. “Binding” arbitration means that the arbitrator’s decision is final. There is no appeal or trial after that decision. “Nonbinding” arbitration means that after the arbitration, either party can request a trial. But if the party who requests the trial gets a worse decision at trial, there may be penalties.
Mediation is nothing like a trial. The parties meet with a mediator in an office. The mediator may meet with the parties separately or together. The mediator listens to all the parties and tries to help them work out a solution that works for everyone. The mediator does not make a decision and does not talk to the judge about the case. If the parties cannot agree on a solution, the case can go to trial.
There are many advantages to Mediation:
For more information or to locate ADR programs:
Community Action Partnership of Riverside County (external site )
Dispute Resolution Center
951.955.4900