Self-Help Center | Indian Affairs

This page contains self-help packets used for filing with the court. It also contains some resources you may use along with reading the tribe's laws, court rules, and other pertinent information. Below is also some basic information about what you can do if you are served with a civil lawsuit or if you plan on filing a civil lawsuit. Information contained on this page does not replace reading all necessary tribal laws, court rules and/or regulations.

When you are served with a civil lawsuit:

1. Contact a lawyer. A lawyer will notify you of the reasons you are being sued and may give you advice about your options. A local lawyer may be able to assist in case they have to appear in court on your behalf. There may also be resources available with the Nevada Indian Legal Services that can assist at no cost or low cost. You will have to contact them for further information. There is also a list of advocates you may contact as well that have filed with the Court of Indian Offenses of the Western Region to be an advocate and practice in our Court. A list of advocates is available on our website. You can contact the Court to receive their contact information. You may find that is not necessary to have someone represent you. You are not required to have someone represent you but it is recommended.

2. Read all necessary laws and rules. Reading all necessary laws and rules will help you better understand what your next step should be after receiving a civil lawsuit. The Tribe’s laws can be found on our website but we also recommend you contact the Tribe directly to see if there are any amendments or additional laws that you should know. Read the Local Court Rules to better understand the rules for filing, court decorum, and other necessary rules that will help you know how to proceed throughout your time in court.

3. File an Answer. There is no fee with our Court to file an Answer to your civil lawsuit. You are not required to file an Answer with the Court. However if you do, obtain a file stamped copy of your Answer and send to the person who filed the lawsuit against you. Keep a copy of your filings and all documents you may receive from the person who filed the lawsuit against you. You should also be receiving copies of any responses to any filings you filed with the Court as well.

You have a limited time to file your Answer. According to our Local Court Rules and depending on the Tribe’s ordinances, if any, you may only have a specific time to file an Answer. Please see your Tribe’s laws and the Local Court Rules for any required timeframes. If you do not file your Answer by the deadline, the Petitioner may try to get a default judgment against you. Also ensure you show up for your schedule court date. Not showing up for your scheduled court day may also result in a judgment against you. This is known as a default judgment.

4. Serve your filings on all interested parties. Whether you file an Answer or any other documents in your case, you must give a copy of those documents to each party in the case. This is called “service.”

How to serve papers. You may send your documents by certified mail, fax, or hand delivery. It is your responsibility to ensure all parties and the Court have properly received service. Ensure you provide a certificate of service to the Court showing the documents were served. This document should contain a statement certifying that the documents were served, how they were served, the date of service along with a signature of the person who served the documents. The person must be 18 years of age or older.
Get a receipt if you hand deliver. If you hand deliver the papers, get receipts so you have proof that the person received them.
How to serve a party. If a party is represented by a lawyer, serve the lawyer. If the party does not have a lawyer, serve all the parties to the case.

5. Rules against court staff providing legal advice. Court staff is not permitted to provide legal advice to litigants.

If you plan on filing a civil suit:

3. Filing your complaint. You may type your own civil suit filing or you can contact the Court for packets. The Court has civil packets you may use. Contact the Court for more information.

File your civil lawsuit with the Court and get a file stamped copy to serve on all interested parties.

How to serve papers. You may send your documents by certified mail, fax, or hand delivery. It is your responsibility to ensure all parties and the Court have properly received service. Ensure you provide a certificate of service to the Court showing the documents were served. This document should contain a statement certifying that the documents were served, how they were served, the date of service along with a signature of the person who served the documents. The person must be 18 years of age or older.
Get a receipt if you hand deliver. If you hand deliver the papers, get receipts so you have proof that the person received them.
How to serve a party. If a party is represented by a lawyer, serve the lawyer. If the party does not have a lawyer, serve all the parties to the case.

5. Filings. Parties will have time to respond to your filing and you may respond to their filing. Please read court rules for time frames for responses.

6. Prepare for your court hearing. Ensure you have all necessary documentation, witnesses, and other items that pertain to your case when your trial comes.

7. Rules against court staff providing legal advice. Court staff is not permitted to provide legal advice to litigants.

Packets and Forms

Please contact the Court for copies of these packets.

Packets

Administrator of Estate Packet
Child Custody Packet
Child Support Packet
Civil Complaint Packet
Divorce Packet
Guardianship of Minor Packet
Guardianship of Incapacitated Adult
Name Change (Adult) Packet
Name Change (Minor) Packet
Paternity Packet
Protective Order Packet
Temporary Restraining Order Packet

Forms

Affidavit
Answer to Petition
Application for Contempt
Motion for Continuance 
Motion to Dismiss
Motion to Modify
Certificate of Mailing

Resources