SELF-HELP VIDEOS

Our Self-Help Videos are for people who are handling their legal problems without a lawyer.

Disclaimer

This website does not give legal advice, and it is not a substitute for having a lawyer.  If you need more help, you can Hire a Lawyer or contact a legal services provider. 

Self-Help Video Series

This video series will help you represent yourself well in court. You will learn how to draft a complaint, get a hearing date, serve the other person (or people) in the case, how to act and dress for court and more. Watching these videos can help you do your best in court.

 
 

Representing Yourself: How to file a lawsuit

When you represent yourself in court, figuring out where to start can be scary. This video covers the first steps you need to complete to file a lawsuit.

You can find the forms referenced in this video here:  http://www.msatjc.org/legal-forms. 

 
 

Steps to Schedule Your Day in Court

This video includes important steps to schedule your hearing before the judge. It includes information about serving the other people in the case with a Summons and where to find the forms.

You can find Summons forms here:  https://www.msatjc.org/legal-forms.

We also have instruction sheets for serving Summonses.

Personal service:  Instructions for Serving Summonses Personally

Service by publication:  Instructions for Serving Summonses by Publication

 
 

What is a Subpoena: Getting Documents and Witnesses to Court

Learn what a Subpoena is and what to do if you need one. This video helps you get witnesses and documents to court. It will show you in detail how to fill out the forms and what to do next.

You can find the forms referenced in this video here:  https://www.msatjc.org/legal-forms.

 
 

How to Dress for Court

This video will give you advice on what to wear to court and will help get rid of your stress about court.

Find more tips for getting ready for court on our webpage: https://www.msatjc.org/preparing for court.

 
 

Your Day in Court: What to Expect

This video will help you know what to expect in court. It also provides tips for your day in court and tells you what to do once you get to the courthouse.

Find more tips for getting ready for court on our webpage:   https://www.msatjc.org/preparing for court.

 
 

Testimony: Telling Your Side of the Story

Telling your side of the story can be stressful and emotional. Watch this video for easy tips on telling your side of the story in the best way you can.

 
 

This is Not TV: What Court is Really Like

You will learn how to talk to the judge, how to tell the judge what you want in your case and how to handle the other side's questions (also called cross-examination). This video will tell you what to expect so you will be better prepared for trial.

Overview of Mississippi's Evidence Rules

This Overview of Mississippi's Evidence Rules will help you prepare for your hearing.

Eviction Videos

 


Have you received an eviction notice? Click here for COVID-19 eviction assistance.

Are you homeless and need assistance? Click here.

 
 

COVID-19 Eviction Issues

This video will inform you about new eviction laws and protections adopted to help during the coronavirus pandemic. 

For legal assistance with a COVID-19 eviction issue, contact the following organizations: 

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services or the Mississippi Center for Legal Services Corp., 1-800-497-1804. The call center is open Monday-Wednesday 9:30-3:00.

Harrison county residents, call the MS Center for Justice 228-435-7284

Hinds, Rankin and Madison County residents can contact Mission First for assistance by filling out the online form at  https://www.missionfirst.org/legal-aid-form

If you need help writing a letter to your landlord explaining that you cannot pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, use this tool:   https://www.norent.org/en/.

CDC Eviction Moratorium Fact Sheet

The CDC has announced a national eviction moratorium until December 31, 2020. Click here to find out more and to get the Declaration that you must give to your landlord to qualify.

 
 

Facing Eviction for Breach of Lease

This video discusses your rights and gives tips for court when someone is faced with an eviction for a material breach of lease.

 
 

Facing Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent

This video informs you of your rights when faced with an eviction for nonpayment of rent.

 
 

Security Deposits 

This video explains when security deposits should be returned, how to get your security deposit back after you move and when the landlord can keep all or part of the security deposit.

 
 

The Fair Housing Act 

This video explains the Fair Housing Act and when you may have a claim under this Federal Act. The Fair Housing Act prohibits sexual harassment in housing and bans discrimination of these protected classes:

  • Race

  • Color

  • Disability

  • Sex/Gender

  • Religion

  • National Origin

  • Family Status (children under 18 living in the home)

 
 

Repairs by Tenants: When the Landlord Fails to Make Repairs 

This video explains when a tenant may make repairs and get credit on his/her rent. Watch this video closely BEFORE you make repairs to be aware of the conditions that must exist.