5 Common Mistakes People Make When Filing Legal Documents on Their Own

Navigating the court system without an attorney (often called filing “in pro per” or “self-represented”) can feel empowering — but it also comes with risks. Courts have strict rules, and even small mistakes can cause costly delays, rejections, or even harm your case. At ONTOPLEGAL, we often see the same errors repeated by people trying to do everything themselves.

Here are five of the most common mistakes self-represented parties make when filing legal documents in California:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Forms

Court paperwork isn’t always straightforward. Many people accidentally:

• Leave blanks instead of writing “N/A”

• Forget to attach required documents (like proof of service)

• Use outdated forms instead of the most current Judicial Council version

  
  

Result? The court clerk may reject your paperwork, forcing you to start over and lose valuable time.

2. Improper Service of Documents

Serving court papers is not as simple as handing them to the other side. Common issues include:

• Trying to serve documents yourself (which is not allowed in most cases)

• Missing strict service deadlines

• Forgetting to file the proof of service form with the court

Result? Your case can be delayed or dismissed for lack of proper notice.

3. Ignoring Local Court Rules

Each county in California has its own additional filing rules. For example, some require extra cover sheets, others have page limits, and many have electronic filing cutoffs. Relying only on Judicial Council forms without checking local requirements is a recipe for rejection.

Result? A judge or clerk may refuse to consider your documents at all.

4. Missed Deadlines and Filing Errors

Court calendars move fast, and deadlines are strict. Pro per filers often:

• Miss the statute of limitations or response deadlines

• File too late for the court to accept documents before a hearing

• Miscalculate when documents are due (holidays and weekends matter)

Result? Missing even one deadline can permanently damage your case.

5. Improper Formatting and Language

Courts require precision, not storytelling. Many pro pers submit documents that are:

• Written with emotional or argumentative language instead of facts

• Missing signatures, verifications, or notarizations

• Formatted incorrectly (wrong margins, missing line numbers, or unreadable attachments)

Result? Clerks can reject documents, or judges may give them little weight.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

The legal system doesn’t give “do-overs.” Filing the right forms, on time, and according to court rules is crucial. That’s where a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) can make all the difference. At ONTOPLEGAL, we help clients prepare and file documents correctly the first time, saving time, money, and stress.

If you’re thinking about handling your case on your own, consider getting help with the paperwork. Sometimes, the smartest move is having a professional on your side — even if you don’t hire a lawyer.