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Facing court
without a lawyer?

Clear, structured documents for your situation — without the confusion or guesswork.

✔ Step-by-step guidance based on your situation ✔ Structured documents that are clear and usable ✔ Built for real-world cases like eviction, deposits, and debt ✔ Designed to help you move forward with confidence
3.6M
Eviction cases filed every year
70%
Debt defendants lose by default
3 in 5
Civil court cases have no attorney — not by choice
$300+
Attorney fees per hour

Sources: Eviction Lab, Princeton University · National Consumer Law Center · Self-Represented Litigation Network · Clio Legal Trends Report

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Your Court Day Survival Kit

Answer a few quick questions. Get your personalized preparation guide instantly.
  • Your legal rights for this case type
  • Exactly what evidence to bring to court
  • What to expect when you walk in
  • Personalized to your state and case type
100% free — no credit card, no account required
Document preparation service
State-specific guidance
Eviction • Debt • Small Claims • Security Deposit
No attorney required

Understand your situation. Then take action.

CourtPrepTools helps you organize your situation and turn it into clear, structured documents you can actually use.

No guessing. No confusion. Just a straightforward way to move forward.

Designed for people doing this on their own

No legal experience needed
Clear, structured format
Built to help you stay organized
Works at your pace

Built From Real Pain.
For Real People.

This platform exists because its founder lived what you are going through — and figured out how to fight back without relying on anyone else.

Founded by someone who fought the system — and won

"I fell down the stairs of an unrepaired porch — twice — and needed two surgeries."

This wasn't built as a business idea — it came from real experience.

After dealing with a prolonged housing dispute, the search began for tools to navigate court processes, understand deadlines, and organize documentation without legal representation. What was available fell short — either too vague to act on, too complex to parse, or structured in ways that didn't translate to real situations.

The need wasn't for legal theory. It was for something practical — a way to clearly organize events, prepare an effective response, and walk into court feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.

That need shaped this platform.

CourtPrepTools is designed for people in the middle of stressful situations who need a clear path forward. It provides structure where none exists and helps turn complex circumstances into something organized, readable, and usable.

This isn't about replacing legal advice. It's about ensuring you don't walk in unprepared.

If you're dealing with something similar, this gives you a place to start.

From real experience: structure changes how your situation is understood.

Lisa P.
Founder, Court Prep Tools

Simple, step-by-step

Most cases involve multiple steps. Court Prep Tools walks you through each one.

1

Start with the free kit

Understand what's happening and what matters. Get a clear breakdown of your rights, what to bring, and what to expect — personalized to your situation.

2

Create your document

Answer a few questions and generate what you need. Documents are organized around your answers — not blank templates.

3

Stay prepared

Keep everything organized if your situation continues. Return anytime to update documents and review next steps as your case evolves.

Whether it's eviction, a debt lawsuit, small claims, or a security deposit dispute — if you don't respond or show up, the court can rule against you automatically. A default judgment can affect your credit, your wages, and your housing for years. Don't wait. Your free kit takes 2 minutes.

Where are you in your case?

Select where you are right now. We'll show you the tools and documents that matter most at this stage.

🧭
Just getting started
🤔
Trying to understand what's happening
⚠️
Dealing with an issue right now
✍️
Need to respond to something
📬
Received a notice or claim
🏛️
Preparing for court

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Return anytime to continue preparing your case as it evolves.

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By continuing, you agree to our Terms and understand this is not legal advice.

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  • Your legal rights for this case type
  • Personalized evidence checklist
  • What to expect at your hearing
  • State-specific to your situation
Single Document
$27
Generate Your Court-Ready Document — created based on your answers, formatted and ready to use.

Single document access.

Use this to respond before your deadline.

  • Personalized based on your answers
  • Structured and ready to use
  • Covers your immediate situation
  • Instant download

Need more documents? Get full access within 3 days for just $20.

Built for real situations

Select your situation below to find the right tools and guidance. Laws vary by state — all information is general and not legal advice.

Eviction

What should I do if I get an eviction notice?

If you receive an eviction notice, act immediately. Read the notice, note your deadline, and prepare a written response. The court does not appoint an attorney for eviction — most tenants represent themselves. Check your local court rules for deadlines.

Get your eviction prep kit →
Debt Lawsuit

How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit?

If you are sued by a debt collector, you typically have 20 to 30 days to file a written Answer with the court. Ignoring the lawsuit almost always results in a default judgment — meaning you lose automatically. Laws vary by state — check your summons immediately.

Get your debt lawsuit prep kit →
Small Claims

What happens at a small claims court hearing?

Small claims court is designed for people without attorneys. You present your case to a judge, show your evidence, and explain what you are asking for. Cases typically involve amounts between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on your state. Bring organized printed copies of everything.

  • → What you can sue for in small claims
  • → Small claims court dollar limits by state
  • → What to expect at your hearing
Get your small claims prep kit →
Security Deposit

How do I get my security deposit back?

Start by sending a formal written demand letter. Most states require landlords to return the deposit within 14 to 30 days of move-out. If they refuse, you can file in small claims court. Landlords generally cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Laws vary significantly by state.

Get your security deposit prep kit →

This is general information, not legal advice. Check your local court rules for requirements in your state.

Common Court Questions

Plain answers to the questions people ask most before their court date. Laws vary by state — see all questions for your case type.

What happens if I ignore a court summons?+
If you ignore a court summons, the court will likely enter a default judgment against you — meaning the other side automatically wins without you having a chance to tell your side. A default judgment can lead to wage garnishment, bank levies, or a lien on your property. Once a default judgment is entered it is very difficult to reverse, so responding — even if you are unsure what to say — is almost always better than doing nothing.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction?+
No — the court does not appoint a lawyer for eviction cases, and you have the right to represent yourself. Many tenants successfully defend eviction cases on their own by understanding their rights, filing a written response, and showing up prepared. Court Prep Tools is specifically designed to help you prepare for this situation without needing to hire an attorney.
How long do I have to respond to a lawsuit?+
Response deadlines vary by state and case type, but most civil lawsuits require a written response within 20 to 30 days of being served. Eviction cases often have shorter deadlines — sometimes as few as 5 days. Missing your response deadline is one of the most common reasons people lose cases they could have won, so acting quickly is critical. Laws vary by state — always check your specific court summons for the exact deadline.
Can I represent myself in court?+
Yes — this is called appearing "pro se" and it is your legal right in every state and in every type of case covered here. For eviction, debt collection, small claims, and security deposit disputes, the court does not provide an attorney. Millions of Americans represent themselves successfully every year. Being well-prepared is the single biggest factor in how self-represented people perform.
What can I sue for in small claims court?+
Small claims court handles disputes involving relatively small amounts of money — typically between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on your state. Common cases include unpaid rent, security deposit disputes, property damage, unpaid loans, and minor contract disagreements. You do not need an attorney, and the process is designed to be accessible to everyday people representing themselves. Limits vary by state.
What should I bring to court?+
Bring multiple printed copies of every document that supports your case — one for the judge, one for the other side, and one for yourself. This typically includes your lease, any written communications, receipts, photos, bank records, and any notices you received. Arrive early, dress neatly, and bring a written summary of your key points so you stay organized when it is your turn to speak.
What happens at a court hearing?+
At most civil hearings, both sides get a chance to speak, present documents, and respond to questions from the judge. The process is more conversational than what you see on TV — judges in small claims and eviction courts are used to hearing from people without attorneys. You will generally be asked to state your position, present any evidence you have, and respond to what the other side says.
What is a default judgment?+
A default judgment is a court ruling entered against a party who failed to respond or appear. It means the judge has ruled in favor of the other side simply because you did not show up or file a response. Default judgments can be used to collect money from you through wage garnishment or bank account seizure — and they can remain on your credit report for years.
See All Court Questions →

Organized by case type: Eviction, Debt, Small Claims, Security Deposit

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain answers to the questions we hear most about the platform.

How does Court Prep Tools work?+
You enter your email, agree to the terms, and answer 5 simple questions about your state, case type, and situation. Our platform uses that information to instantly generate a personalized Court Day Survival Kit — including your legal rights for this case type, an evidence checklist, and a plain-English guide to what happens at your hearing. Paid plans unlock full document generation, deadline tracking, and a complete case file.
Is this legal advice?+
No. Court Prep Tools is a document preparation and self-help education service. We help you organize your information, understand the general process, and format your documents — but nothing we provide constitutes legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship. For complex situations, we always recommend consulting a licensed attorney when possible.
What do I get for $27?+
The $27 option generates one full document for your specific case — formatted around your answers. You choose which document you need from the options shown after your free kit. One flat fee, download your document, and you are done. No subscription required. If you need additional documents, you can upgrade to full access and your $27 purchase is credited toward that upgrade within 3 days.
What does the $47/month subscription include?+
The full access subscription includes unlimited document generation for all case types, a court deadline tracker with reminders, a complete saved case file you can return to at any time, step-by-step guidance through every stage of your case, and full preparation guides for every hearing. It is designed to cover you from your first notice through your final resolution — and you cancel the day your case ends.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?+
Yes — cancel anytime, including the day after your case ends. We designed the subscription specifically for the duration of a legal case, not as a long-term commitment. Most cases resolve in 30 to 90 days.

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