Opening Your Case Checklist
Note: All attached documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF file format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader to view these documents. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may get it here.
(Select the forms needed by the type of case you wish to file)
Civil Rights or Diversity Case (Non-Prisoner)
- Pro Se Information Notice and Pro Se Litigation Guidelines
- Non-Prisoner Instructions
- Non-Prisoner Complaint
- Motion for IFP Status OR U.S. Marshal Service Information and Request
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Summons for each defendant plus one original
- U.S. Marshal forms for each defendant (To be obtained in person or by mail from the Clekr's Office)
Employment Discrimination Case
- Pro Se Information Notice and Pro Se Litigation Guidelines
- Discrimination Instructions
- Discrimination Complaint Form
- Motion for IFP Status OR U.S. Marshal Service Information and Request
- Civil Cover Sheet
- Summons for each defendant plus one original
- U..S. Marshal Forms for each defendant (To be obtained in person or by mail from the Clerk's Office)
Social Security Case
- Pro Se Information Notice
- Social Security Instructions
- Social Security Complaint Form
- Motion for IFP OR U.S. Marshal Service Information and Request
- Civil Cover Sheet
- 4 Summons (one per agency) plus one original
- 3 U.S. Marshal forms (To be obtained in person or bymail from the Clerk's Office)
Habeas Corpus Petition
Choose the appropriate form for the type of conviction/detention you are challenging
- Pro Se Information Notice
-
2254 Petition and Instructions
(2254 habeas petitions concern state convictions) -
2255 Petition and Instructions
(2255 habeas petitions concern federal convictions) -
2241 Petition and Instructions
(2241 petitions concern immigration detention, and additional matters related to prisoners in
federal custody) - Motion for IFP
- Civil Cover Sheet
Sharpe Motion
- Pro Se Information Notice
- Sharpe Motion Instructions
- Sharpe Motion Form Motion for IFP Status
- Civil Cover Sheet
