Forms & Samples
Downloadable court forms, sample documents, and templates to help you prepare filings at every stage of your case.
Starting a Case
Starting a lawsuit requires submitting the correct paperwork and following specific court rules. Below are forms and sample documents that may be used to begin a civil case while incarcerated, including materials commonly required to file a complaint in federal court.
These forms are provided as general tools to help you organize your case and meet basic filing requirements. Courts may have additional or different requirements, so it is important to review your court's local rules and instructions before filing. Use these materials as a starting point to prepare your filings and take the first steps in your case.
.jpg)
.png){kind=small}
Motions
Motions are written requests asking the court to take a specific action in your case, such as denying the defendants' motion to dismiss your claims, ordering discovery, or ruling on issues before trial. Below are sample documents that may be reviewed to provide you with direction and an idea of how to properly file or respond to motions while incarcerated.
These materials are provided as general tools to help you organize your arguments and comply with basic court requirements. Be sure to review your court's local rules and any court orders before filing, and carefully address all arguments raised by the other side. Use these forms as a starting point when preparing motion-related filings in your case.
Discovery
Discovery is the stage of a lawsuit where each side can request information, documents, and evidence from the other party. Below are forms and sample documents that may be used to request discovery or respond to discovery requests while incarcerated.
These materials are provided as general tools to help you organize your requests and comply with basic court rules. Discovery is governed by strict deadlines and limitations, and courts expect requests to be specific and relevant to the claims in the case. Review your court's local rules and any scheduling orders before using these forms, and use them as a starting point when preparing discovery-related filings.