"Help self-represented litigants win"
A comprehensive toolkit for the 80%+ of cases involving at least one unrepresented party — with case strategy guidance, checklists, deadline tracking, and court preparation simulation.
In family court, 80%+ of cases involve at least one self-represented party. These litigants face an overwhelming system designed for lawyers — with procedural rules, filing deadlines, evidence requirements, and courtroom protocols they've never encountered. Without guidance, they miss deadlines, file incorrectly, and lose cases they might have won.
The Pro Se Assistant Toolkit provides case strategy guidance, step-by-step checklists, automated deadline tracking, and a court prep simulator — giving self-represented litigants the structure and knowledge they need to navigate the system effectively.
- Self-represented litigants get structured guidance through every step
- Courts see better-prepared litigants and more efficient proceedings
- Legal aid orgs extend their reach beyond direct representation
- Children & families benefit from more equitable outcomes
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Pro Se Dashboard │
│ (My Case, Deadlines, Next Steps) │
├──────────┬──────────┬───────────────────┤
│ Case │Checklist │ Deadline │
│ Strategy │ Engine │ Tracker │
│ Guidance │ │ │
├──────────┼──────────┼───────────────────┤
│ Court │ Document │ Resource │
│ Prep │ Prep │ Directory │
│Simulator │ Wizard │ │
├──────────┴──────────┴───────────────────┤
│ Case State Machine + Rules │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ PostgreSQL + Cache │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
| Layer | Technology |
|---|---|
| Frontend | React + step-by-step wizard UI |
| Backend | Node.js / Express |
| Database | PostgreSQL |
| Rules Engine | Custom state machine for case workflows |
| Notifications | Email + SMS deadline reminders |
| Calendar | iCal export + Google Calendar integration |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Strategy Guidance | Step-by-step roadmap based on case type and jurisdiction |
| Checklist Engine | Dynamic checklists that adapt as the case progresses |
| Deadline Tracker | Automated tracking with email/SMS reminders |
| Court Prep Simulator | Practice what to say, how to present, what to expect |
| Document Prep Wizard | Guided workflows for common filings |
| Resource Directory | Local legal aid, court contacts, and service providers |
| Case Journal | Chronological log of actions, filings, and events |
| Hearing Readiness Score | Assessment of preparation level before court dates |
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/pro-se-assistant-toolkit.git
cd pro-se-assistant-toolkit
npm install
cp .env.example .env
npm run dev- Self-represented parents in custody and family law cases
- Pro se litigants in civil cases (landlord/tenant, small claims)
- Legal aid organizations providing self-help resources
- Court self-help centers offering structured guidance
- Law school clinics supporting community members
- Case strategy engine with jurisdiction rules
- Dynamic checklist system
- Deadline tracker with notifications
- Court prep simulator
- Document preparation wizard
- Local resource directory
- Hearing readiness scoring
- Multi-state expansion
We welcome contributions! See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
MIT License — See LICENSE for details.
This project is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal representation, or an attorney-client relationship. No warranty is made regarding accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular legal matter. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before making legal decisions. Use of this software does not create any professional-client relationship.
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