The short version
Arrive early, dress neatly, turn your phone off, speak when it is your turn, address the judge respectfully, and keep your answers short and direct.
Before the day
- Check the court's location, entry rules, and security line time.
- Bring your folder, copies of key papers, a pen, and your calendar notes.
- Find out whether your court is in person, by phone, or by video, and test your setup if it is video.
In the room
- Stand or sit as directed. Wait to be called.
- Address the judge respectfully. “Your Honor” is the usual choice.
- Don't interrupt. If you disagree, wait, then say so politely.
- Answer the question you were asked, then stop.
- If you don't understand, say so. It is okay to ask for something to be repeated.
If it goes badly
Take a breath. Write down what happened and the next date as soon as you can. Then use the next hours to decide who to call for help.
New York specificallySee New York court 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.