Pro Se Complaint Packet - United States District Court printable pdf download

Pro Se Complaint Packet - United States District Court

United States District Court

Southern District Of California

Office Of The Clerk

333 West Broadway, Suite 420

San Diego, California 92101

John Morrill

Phone: (619) 557-5600

Clerk of Court

TO ANY PERSON WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN THEIR OWN BEHALF

The following instructions have been compiled to assist any person wishing to file a complaint in

this court. We have attempted to simplify procedures, however, we cannot and will not act as

lawyers nor give legal advice. You should use the local rules along with the Federal Rules of

Civil Procedure for specific guidance. The local rules are available at:

PRO SE: In PRO SE status you are representing yourself and acting on your own behalf without

counsel. The following requirements must be met in order to file a complaint:

Filing Fee: A $400.00 filing fee is required when filing a complaint. If you are not able

to pay the fee, you may file to proceed In Forma Pauperis. Please refer to the In Forma

Pauperis section below.

Cover Sheet: A civil cover sheet, form JS-44, is required and must be filled out

completely and signed.

Complaint: The complaint must be typed in 14-point standard font, printed by hand, or

written on 8½” x 11" paper (see CIVIL LOCAL RULE 5.1 for further format

instructions). Your complaint should be legible and clearly stated so that it is easily

understood. Clearly set out your grievance against whom and what you would like the

Court to do to correct the situation. For your convenience, pleading paper is available at

the clerk’s office, upon request.

IN FORMA PAUPERIS: When filing in this status you are requesting permission from the

court to pursue your lawsuit without prepayment of the statutory filing fees. This request will be

reviewed and decided upon by the judge randomly assigned to your case. Once a decision has

been made an order will be entered in the case. The order may grant; deny; or partially impose a

filing fee. The order may also include further instruction or request additional information.

If you are granted In Forma Pauperis status, a summons will be issued and the court may

authorize service of process without prepayment of the U.S. Marshal's fee. Additionally, if you

are granted In Forma Pauperis status, you can act on your own behalf, seek counsel, or request

appointment of counsel.

Pro Se Complaint Packet - United States District Court