ca-pro-se

name	ca-pro-se
title	Pro Se Drafting for California Courts
description	Use when drafting California court documents for a self-represented (pro se / "In Pro Per") litigant. Triggers include "pro se", "in pro per", "self-represented", "representing myself", "pro-se drafting framework", "draft without an attorney", "pro se California", "Judicial Council forms", "fee waiver", "FW-001", "how do I serve", "CCP 415", "CCP 1013", "Self-Help Center", "In Pro Per", or when the user describes themselves as the plaintiff or defendant directly. Covers the Parker drafting framework adapted for California, "In Pro Per" vs. "self-represented litigant" terminology, service protocols under CCP §§ 412.10-417.40 and 1010-1020, Judicial Council form use, In Forma Pauperis fee waivers (FW-001 / FW-003), and California- specific pro se resources. Layer on top of ca-statewide-format and the applicable county skill (ca-lasc, ca-sfsc, or ca-county-courts).
author	codearranger
author_url	https://github.com/codearranger/claude-legal/tree/main/plugins/ca-court-docs/skills/ca-pro-se
license	MIT
version	0.1.0
execution_mode	open
jurisdiction	us
practice	litigation
language	en

Pro Se Drafting for California Courts

Use this skill when drafting court documents for a self-represented litigant in a California Superior Court. It encodes the Parker drafting framework adapted to California procedural conventions and the practical service and filing protocols pro se filers need.

NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Generated content is a drafting aid; verify against current rules and case law before filing. For complex matters, or matters with substantial sums at stake, consider consulting a licensed California attorney.

"In Pro Per" vs. "Self-Represented Litigant"

California uses both terms, but each has a distinct context:

• "In Pro Per" (Latin: in propria persona) is the traditional California legal term. Use it on signature blocks, caption lines, and in court filings. California courts universally accept it and judicial officers recognize it immediately.
• "Self-Represented Litigant" (SRL) is the preferred term in court staff communications, Self-Help Centers, and California Rules of Court (CRC 10.960). Judicial Council materials, courthouse signage, and the courts.ca.gov website use SRL.

Rule of thumb:

• On documents you file: use "In Pro Per"
• When talking to court staff or reading courthouse resources: use "self-represented litigant"

Both terms mean the same thing; neither is wrong in either context.

The Pro-Se Drafting Framework — adapted for California

Every motion and declaration follows four principles:

1. Front-load the strongest facts. The judge should know the best fact in the case within the first paragraph. Do not bury it under procedural history.
2. Keep motions concise. Target 4–6 pages for a motion plus memorandum. Use bold lead-ins to let the judge skim. Every sentence earns its place.
3. Write to the judge, not to opposing counsel. Avoid ad hominem. Let the record speak. State facts; let the judge draw the characterizations.
4. Let the record speak. Attach the documents that prove the point. Cite them by exhibit number and page. A well-indexed record is worth more than rhetoric.

California-specific Parker adaptations

Cite the CCP section on the first line. California judges expect the procedural authority up front. "Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2031.310, Defendant moves..." not "This Court has inherent power to compel..."

California Style Manual citation format. Use "Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.300" (abbreviated code name, section symbol, section number) — not "CCP 2030.300" or "§ 2030.300(b)(1)" without the code prefix. Full citations in argument sections; abbreviated in parenthetical references.