Welcome to the Middle District of Tennessee Pro Se Training Video Library. The instructional video series contained on this page is designed to assist individuals who represent themselves without the assistance of an attorney (called “pro se parties”) in civil cases filed in the Middle District of Tennessee. The instructions provided here apply only to civil cases filed in the Middle District of Tennessee and may not comply with other courts’ local rules or filing requirements. These videos do not cover every requirement or possible scenario and are not meant to serve as legal advice.
Applications to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Cost ("IFP Application")
- VIDEO: How to fill out an IFP Application (coming soon)
- Link to Form: IFP Application
Electronic Filing
- VIDEO: Pro Se Electronic Filing Portal
- Link to Portal: Pro Se Electronic Filing Portal
Service of Process - Preparing Required Forms
- VIDEO: How to fill out an AO440 Summons in a Civil Action Form
- Link to Form: Summons in a Civil Action (required for service of process on defendants)
- VIDEO: How to fill out a U.S. Marshal USM-285 Form - Process Receipt and Return
- Link to Form: U.S. Marshal Form 285 - Process Receipt and Return (to be completed only if IFP Application is granted)
- VIDEO: Identifying a Registered Agent for Service of Process (coming soon)
- VIDEO: Filing a Return of Service (coming soon)