Family law
What Can the Court Clerk Tell You, and What Can't They Say?
Quick answer
When you represent yourself in a family law case, the clerk's window is often your first stop at the courthouse. Knowing the line between what clerks can and cannot say will save you time and frustration.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated June 2026
Watch this explained
What the court clerk can and can't tell you
Why clerks have limits
Court clerks are neutral employees of the court. Their job is to keep the court's records and move paperwork through the system for everyone, including the other side of your case. Because they must stay neutral, they are not allowed to help one party build a strategy or predict how a judge will rule.
In most places, clerks are also prohibited from practicing law. Answering a question like "should I ask for joint custody or sole custody" is legal advice, and a clerk who gave it could get in trouble. When a clerk says "I can't answer that," it is usually a rule they are following, not a refusal to be helpful.
What the clerk can usually help with
Clerks can generally explain court procedures and logistics. Common questions they can answer include which forms are used for a particular type of request, where and how to file, whether a filing fee applies and how to ask for a fee waiver, how to get copies of documents in your file, and when your hearing is scheduled.
They can also tell you the status of your case, whether a document was received, and how to reach the self-help center or family law facilitator if your court has one. Many courts publish written instruction packets, and the clerk can point you to them. The exact services offered at the clerk's window vary by state and even by county, so check your state's guide for what to expect locally.
What the clerk cannot tell you
Clerks cannot tell you what to write on your forms, which requests to make, or whether your argument is strong. They cannot interpret a court order for you, explain how a law applies to your facts, or suggest what the other parent is likely to do. They also cannot recommend a specific attorney or say whether you even need one.
A helpful way to tell the difference: if the question starts with "how do I" or "where do I," the clerk can probably answer it. If the question starts with "should I" or "what will happen if," that is legal advice, and the clerk will have to decline.
Where to get the answers a clerk cannot give
Most court systems have a self-help center, family law facilitator, or similar resource staffed to work with self-represented parents. These offices can often go further than the clerk's window, such as reviewing your forms for completeness or explaining what the judge will look for at a hearing. Availability and services vary by state, so look up what your court offers.
For questions about your specific situation and legal strategy, a licensed attorney in your state is the right source. Many offer limited-scope consultations for a flat fee. Legal aid organizations and law school clinics may be options if cost is a barrier. Onbello can help you prepare and organize your documents, but we are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice.
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.