This section of the District of Colorado’s website is intended for people who are representing themselves in a civil case pending in this court. This case may be one that you have filed against another party or one in which you are defending yourself. "Another party" may be a person, business, or government entity. A different way of describing someone who represents himself is to refer to him as "pro se", which is a Latin phrase that means "on one's own behalf". A pro se party or litigant is not represented by an attorney.
In the District of Colorado, pro se litigants are required to follow the same rules and procedures as litigants who are represented by an attorney. This includes paying for all required filing and court fees. It is strongly encouraged that pro se litigants carefully read the Civil Lawsuit Guide and A Guide to Civil Legal Cases so that they fully understand what the court will expect and are otherwise fully prepared to represent themselves. One of these expectations is to use certain forms when filing a lawsuit. This website has a special section of forms intended exclusively for pro se parties. Those forms can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Here are a few other important expectations that pro se parties should keep in mind:
- If your mailing address changes while your case is still open, you must inform the court of your new address within 5 days of the change.
- You must appear in person for all scheduled hearings unless the judge in your case gives you permission otherwise. To enter the courthouse, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID upon request.
- Judges, judges' staff, and clerks are not allowed to talk to you about your case unless all other parties to your case are present. Furthermore, they are never allowed to give you legal advice.
- Unless your case or personal circumstances are very unusual, the judge cannot appoint an attorney to represent you in your civil case.
- There are two sets of formal rules that must be followed when pursuing a case in this court: (1) the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and (2) the Local Rules for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Additionally, each judge has Practice Standards which are special rules that must be followed when appearing in that judge's courtroom. Pro se litigants should review each of these sets of rules.