What court staff can do for you
Supreme Court Rule 1402: Providing Assistance to the Public
Your communication with court staff is not privileged or confidential, and it does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
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Court staff must remain neutral and impartial.
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Court staff will treat you with respect.
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You should talk to a lawyer if you want personalized legal advice.
Court staff CAN:
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Suggest talking to a lawyer.
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Give you information about resources, such as:
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Explain the process and costs of filing.
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Check forms for completeness.
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Exactly record information provided if you are unable to fill out the form yourself.
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Explain the hearing process.
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Help locate local records.
Court staff CANNOT:
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Give you legal advice.
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Tell you if you should file a case.
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Perform legal research.
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Represent you in court.
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Investigate case facts.
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Tell you what a statute or rule means and whether it applies to your case.
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Tell you what the result of a case will be.
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Disclose confidential information.
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Tell you what to say.
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Talk to the judge for you.