Data Methodology

Editorial Workflow

PlainCivil is an editorial reference built around a normalized database of state-process records. The site explains what its database contains and links readers to court systems and other primary resources; it does not replace the court's current fee schedule, local rules, or legal advice. Some records are explicitly marked as estimates, and a database value must not be treated as a current court quote. For a decision that matters, check the relevant court or clerk before relying on a figure. We do not accept payment for coverage or placement, and we receive no commission or referral fee from attorneys, legal service providers, or courts.

Data Sources

The current database covers 12 process types across 10 states. Its records point readers toward these source categories; coverage and source detail vary by process and jurisdiction:

  • State court websites - Official court portals including the California Courts (courts.ca.gov), Texas Courts (txcourts.gov), and Florida Courts (flcourts.gov) for filing fee schedules, procedural rules, and self-help center publications.
  • State legal-aid and self-help directories - Resources such as LawHelp.org can help readers find local assistance; they are not a substitute for the applicable court's rules or schedule.
  • Federal court reference material - The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts provides federal-court context. Federal schedules do not establish a state-court fee.
  • Court clerk fee schedules - Published schedules are the appropriate source to confirm a filing fee, including any county-level or case-specific charges.
  • National Center for State Courts (NCSC) - Publications at ncsc.org provide court-administration context; they are not a per-record fee authority.

Data Vintage

The current database's recorded verification month is March 2026. That is the portal's data vintage, not a claim that every linked source remains unchanged or that a record has been newly checked today. Court filing fees and procedures can change after ingestion. Where a record is described as an estimate, it is especially important to verify the current amount directly with the relevant court or clerk.

Processing Pipeline

  1. Collection: The portal stores a limited state-process reference dataset rather than a live feed from every court.
  2. Normalization: The dataset expresses stored fee values as flat dollar amounts or ranges; those values do not capture every local add-on or case-specific charge.
  3. Estimation flagging: Some records carry an estimated note. An estimated record is a research lead, not a current quotation.
  4. Correction: Readers can report a suspected error through the contact page with the relevant primary source.
  5. Database loading: Processed records are loaded into a structured SQLite database serving all page types.

Coverage

  • Process types: 12 common civil legal proceedings (divorce, small claims, name change, eviction, guardianship, and more)
  • States: 10 U.S. states (California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and others)
  • Data points: Filing fees, waiting periods, residency requirements, required forms, step-by-step process descriptions

How Rankings Work

On each state's process page, the "How X compares to other states" chart sorts every state's reported filing fee for that process type from highest to lowest and marks the current state's position in that order (ties are broken by state name). This is a straightforward rank of the raw fee figures, not a cost-of-living or income adjustment, so a lower numeric rank does not necessarily mean the process is cheaper relative to a filer's means in that state.

Limitations

  • Fee volatility: Court filing fees are updated by legislatures and court administrators periodically. Always verify current fees with your local court clerk before filing.
  • County-level variation: Some fees and procedures vary within a state by county or judicial district. PlainCivil presents state-typical values, which may not match your specific county.
  • Estimated records: Some records carry an estimated note. Treat those entries as research context and confirm the applicable current amount directly with the court or clerk.
  • Not legal advice: Process descriptions reflect general procedures and cannot account for your specific circumstances, local rules, or recent legislative changes.
  • State coverage: PlainCivil currently covers 10 states. Processes in uncovered states are not represented.

How We Research Legal Process Data

State procedures, forms, and fees can differ by court, county, case type, and the facts of a matter. PlainCivil's summaries are general context for the limited jurisdictions it tracks, not a complete description of a person's filing requirements. Confirm the current rule, fee schedule, and forms with the court that will hear the matter.

Variations such as contested versus uncontested matters, children, property, county practices, and fee-waiver eligibility can change both the procedure and cost. The portal cannot capture every variation.

Data Accuracy Commitment

PlainCivil presents general legal-process information from its stored reference data and linked public resources where available. Court fees and procedures can change after that data is recorded. Verify current fees and requirements with the relevant court or clerk before filing. If you find information that appears outdated or incorrect, please contact us with the applicable primary source so it can be investigated.

Not Affiliated

PlainCivil is not affiliated with any state court, legal aid organization, or government agency. We are an independent information service. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does PlainCivil's legal process data come from?

PlainCivil is a 10-state reference dataset. Its pages direct readers to state court systems and related resources, but the relevant court or clerk is the authority for the current fee, forms, and procedure.

How often is the data updated?

The current database records a March 2026 vintage. That is the portal's recorded data date, not a claim that every court source has been newly checked today. Court fees can change after ingestion, so always verify a current amount directly with the relevant court or clerk before filing.

How accurate is the data? What happens when fees change?

PlainCivil is general informational context, not a current court quote or legal advice. Some records carry an estimated note, and fees or procedures can change after the database vintage. Confirm a current figure directly with the relevant court or clerk. If you find information that appears outdated or incorrect, please contact us at hello@plaincivil.com with the applicable primary source.

Is this legal advice?

No. PlainCivil provides information for educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice, and reading our content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Process descriptions reflect general procedures and cannot account for your specific circumstances, local rules, or recent legislative changes. Always consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your legal situation. If you cannot afford an attorney, free or low-cost help may be available through LawHelp.org or your local courthouse self-help center.