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Self-Prep And File

Self-Prep and File is a free service to help you fill out your court forms. It guides you through an interview process for your case type. It will ask you questions for you to answer. In the end, your court forms will be filled out properly.

First-Time User

If you are using Self-Prep and File for the first time, please watch
Introduction and Navigation Video

Filing Your Court Forms

Once your forms are complete, you can print them out and file them with the San Mateo Superior Court. For some case types, you can electronically file (e-file) the completed forms with the court. Keep in mind there may be fees for e-filing.

Getting Started with Self-Prep and File

The following legend applies to the numbers in the cards below:

Number Explanation
1. E-file forms You can e-file the forms for this interview with the San Mateo Superior Court.
2. Print forms You must print out the forms for this interview and file them with the San Mateo Superior Court.
Local form(s) required

The forms for this interview require other San Mateo Superior Court local forms. You must also complete the local forms to file these forms with the San Mateo Superior Court. Access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

Use the cards below to select the interview that matches your case type.

Note that all links will take you to Tyler Technologies' Odyssey Guide & File (OGF) website. This is the vendor that provides the Self-Prep and File service to San Mateo Superior Court and other California Superior Courts.

For the best user experience, open the links using the Google Chrome browser.

  • C.A.R.E.

    • Step 1: Complete the interview at the LawHelp site. At the end of the interview, you will be given the options to download the forms
    • Step 2: You may file the downloaded forms with the clerk’s office OR you may submit them electronically. Please visit our efiling page for more information.

  • Small Claims

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Divorce, Legal Separation or Nullity

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court

    Local form(s) required to complete this interview. Click to access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

    Go to this Interview

  • Request for Order (Family Law)

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Restraining Order

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court

    Local form(s) required to complete this interview. Click to access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

    Go to this Interview

  • Gun Violence Restraining Order

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Petition for Appointment of Guardian

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court

    Local form(s) required to complete this interview. Click to access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

    Go to this Interview

  • Eviction, Unlawful Detainer (Answer)

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Eviction, Unlawful Detainer (Complaint)

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Income and Expense Declaration (Family Law)

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Petition to Establish Parentage or Custody and Support

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court

    Local form(s) required to complete this interview. Click to access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

    Go to this Interview

  • Proof of Service of Summons (Family Law)

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Requesting a Limited Conservatorship

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court

    Local form(s) required to complete this interview. Click to access San Mateo Court Local Forms »

    Go to this Interview

  • Notice of Change of Address or Other Contact Information

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview

  • Petition for Change of Name for an Adult

    1. E-file forms for this interview  OR
    2. Print forms for this interview and file with San Mateo Superior Court
    Go to this Interview