How far ahead should I set a reminder?

There is no single answer. Set reminders early enough to ask questions and prepare, and check the rule that applies to your court.

Should I keep my log on paper or digital?

Either works. Pick one, keep it current, and back it up so it is not lost.

Court rules and deadlines

Keep a deadline log you can trust

A written log turns scattered dates into one list you can check. Keep it updated every time a new paper arrives.

About 2 minread
General ideashold in most courts
Checked October 26, 2026educational only

The short version

A deadline log does not need to be fancy. It needs to be complete, dated and easy to check against the papers.

What to record

For each date, record the deadline, what it is for, the rule or paper that sets it, and the day you counted it from.

Record when you checked

Add the date you confirmed the deadline. If a court changes a date, add a new line rather than erasing the old one.

Set reminders early

Put each deadline in a calendar with reminders well before the date, so there is time to ask questions or prepare.

Keep proof of what you filed

Keep a copy of every paper you file and any proof that it was delivered. Your log should point to where each copy is.

Keep going

Your next step

NextHow court deadlines are counted

The Pro Se Field Workbook

Take this page further

The Pro Se Field Workbook turns pages like this into questions you answer for your own case. It never tells you what to do in your case; it asks the questions that help you find out.

$14.99
Printable PDF.

Get the printable workbook Read Chapter 4 free

New York specificallySee the New York guides →Read the New York version. Pro Se Posse keeps the general ideas here; the New York details live in our reference library.

Last checked: October 26, 2026. This page covers general ideas that hold in most courts. Rules differ by state and by court, so look up the rules for yours.

Educational information only. Not legal advice, not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship. Nothing here tells you what to do in your own case.