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Digital Learning

We’re dedicated to helping people navigate an ever‑evolving legal landscape. That’s why we provide online tutorials, 

digital resources, and a range of learning materials designed to support deeper understanding.

One-On-One Support

We are here to help you find answers to your information-related questions. WE WILL NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE!

  • Drop-in: The Law Library is open Mondays through Thursdays for legal forms-related questions.

On-Site Computers & Printers 

Use the public computer, printer, and copy machine.

Available 24/7 Online Resources

 
DIGITAL LIBRARIES & REFERENCE SERVICES
FREE JOURNALS, MAGAZINES, HANDBOOKS & PDFs
FREE LEGAL INFORMATION ONLINE 
FREE LEGAL FORMS ONLINE 
FREE LEGAL PAMPHLETS & GUIDES ONLINE
FREE LOCAL NEWS SOURCES
TIPS FOR COMPLETING OREGON LEGAL FORMS

Tips For Filling Out Legal Forms

  • Use the most current version of the form. If you are unsure that you have the current version, ask the Law Librarian or the Court Clerk.
  • Read the entire form AND any directions that came with it BEFORE filling out the form. Reading the form and instructions will help you understand what the form is intended for and what information you will need to provide.
  • Use clear, legible writing. Write only in blue or black ink. Many forms on this site are available in a fillable PDF format, allowing you to fill them out and print them from your computer.
  • Always use your legal name, current address, daytime telephone number, and a valid e-mail address. If you want your home address to stay private, you can use another address where you receive mail. If your address changes, you MUST file a change of address form with the court. Until you change the address you provided, the judge and court will assume you have received whatever legal papers were sent to you.
  • Most forms have a "caption" on the first page that you always need to fill out. The caption usually contains your name, address, phone number, and e-mail. The caption also lists the name of the plaintiff, the name of the defendant, the case number, and the department number.
  • If you do not have a lawyer, write "in proper person" or "self-represented" anywhere the form asks for the name of your attorney or says "Attorney for."
  • Fill out the forms completely and accurately. If something does not apply to you, write “none.) If you do not know the answer to a question, write "unknown." Try not to leave blanks in your forms.
  • Sign your forms in each place that requires your signature. Use blue or black ink only.  Notice that on many court forms you are signing "under penalty of perjury." That means when you sign the form you are declaring that what is on the form is true and correct. Take this seriously! There are both civil and criminal penalties for perjury.
  • Complete one section of the form at a time.  If you have questions about a particular section or question, leave it blank until you can get your question answered.
  • If you need help understanding court forms, please ask your local law librarian or the Circuit Court Clerk.
  • Visit your local law library.  Ask a librarian for books and resources to help you complete your forms.
  • Keep a copy of everything that you file with the Court.  Organizing your copies by date of the document will help you find documents quickly.  Take your entire document file with you every time you go to the courthouse.
  • The court only accepts single-sided copies. Make sure all copies have print on only one side of the paper.  

Creating Your Own Legal Documents

Fill-in-the-blank legal forms are typically created to address common situations that courts and judges see time and time again. But your case – and most every case, in fact – is undoubtedly unique in some ways.  So there may not be a ready-made form that addresses the needs of your specific case.  If you cannot find the pre-printed, fill-in-the-blank form you need, you may have to create the legal document yourself.

Creating a legal document from scratch can be somewhat intimidating.  You will probably want to find a good example to work from that is as close as possible to the legal document you need. TIPS:

  • Look for a sample that is the same general type of pleading or motion that you are creating.  For example, if you are trying to write a complaint to sue someone, look for a sample complaint (not a sample motion or opposition).  Different types of legal documents are used to accomplish different things.  They are not one-size-fits-all!
  • Look for a sample that is written from your side of the case.  If you are the plaintiff in the case, look for a sample document written from a plaintiff's perspective.  

When preparing your documents, make sure their format complies with the rules of the court in which your case is pending.  Most courts have rules governing how documents are supposed to look and what information they must contain. To download blank pleading paper (paper with numbers down the left-hand margin, a case caption on the first page, a signature block, and the like) in Microsoft Word that you can save to your computer and use to prepare your documents, click on the link below:

Blank Pleading

Minimum requirements for pleadings filed in all cases

Q & A FOR SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS (Those Not Represented by an Attorney)
 
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