How to find the correct forms
UJS offers a variety of forms that may be able to help you initiate a case or complete another action in a case. You can view UJS's Family Law Help or Civil Law Help for a list of forms available.
How to use the forms
Many forms have an instructions page attached, or instructions written throughout the form. It is important to carefully read through the instructions before completing the form. Also be sure that you have all the necessary pages to your form.
Completing the forms
Fill out your form completely and carefully, taking care to do one section at a time. Make sure it is clear and easy to read. Use blue or black ink to complete your form, or type in the information. Some forms allow you to fill in the information online and then print out the completed form.
Try not to leave blanks in your forms. You may need to write things like "not applicable", "none", or "unknown". If there are places to give information about your lawyer and you do not have one, write "self-represented".
Some forms require you to sign them after printing them or filling them out. If the form is asking you to sign "under penalty of perjury", it means that when you sign it, you are swearing that what is on the form is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
After completing the forms
Be sure you keep copies of all your forms. Always keep a copy for yourself. Make sure all your copies are kept clean, safe, and in order. It may help to keep them in a folder that you can bring with you throughout your case.
If you see that the form needs to be "filed", you must be sure you return it to the clerk of courts, mail it in, or file it online. The form is not valid until it is returned as directed. There may be a fee to file. Also pay attention if you need to "serve" the form on the other party.
Needing help with the forms
UJS offers a helpful Guide and File program designed for individuals representing themselves in court. This program assists you in creating and completing necessary the forms by answering a series of questions, which then generates the forms based on your responses for you to print. To get started, you can create an account and go through this process at OGF Home.
The Clerk of Courts Office in your area can help verify that you have all the forms needed and that they are filled out. However, they cannot tell you tell you what to put down and may not be able to answer questions about the forms. For specific questions on UJS forms, you can email UJS staff at ujssrlhelp@ujs.state.sd.us or call the legal form helpline at 1-855-784-0004. You may also need to research or contact a lawyer in help completing a form if you have questions.