Legal Research
CourtListener
Non-profit free legal search engine and alert system for case law, PACER documents, judges, and oral arguments (Free Law Project).
Best forFree case-law searching and docket alerts, for lawyers and the public.
Use case · 6 tools
For Individuals in plain English
Plain-English picks for non-lawyers. These are tools and information sources, not a substitute for a lawyer. Below are the 6 tools we list for for individuals, each with what it’s best for and what to watch out for.
Plain English: these tools can help you understand or organize a legal issue, but they are not lawyers and this site does not give legal advice. If you have a deadline, a court case, or criminal charges, talk to a licensed attorney in your state (or a legal aid organization if cost is an issue).
Tools
For Individuals
LegalZoom
Step-by-step tools and attorney guidance for business and personal legal needs.
Best forIndividuals handling simple, standardized documents.
For Individuals
Nolo
Plain-English legal information articles and do-it-yourself legal products.
Best forLearning the basics of a legal issue in plain English.
Family Law
OurFamilyWizard
The OurFamilyWizard website, iOS and Android mobile apps help parents to manage child custody schedules and co-parenting information from separate homes.
Best forFamily law practitioners whose clients need a documented co-parenting communication tool; OurFamilyWizard has a dedicated practitioner program.
Family Law
TalkingParents
TalkingParents is an all-in-one co-parenting app that organizes and records messages, calls, schedules, expenses, and more with court-trusted documentation.
Best forFamily law clients who need recorded co-parenting messages, calls, and records.
Family Law
AppClose
Court-ordered co-parenting app with custody calendar, secure messaging, calls, call recording, and court-ready records.
Best forFamily law clients who want a low-cost co-parenting app with one all-inclusive plan.