Making complicated legal forms easier to understand.
FormExplainer is a free legal-form information resource provided by Public Document Services, a private organization dedicated to making complicated legal and government documents easier to understand.
Legal forms can be confusing. They often contain unfamiliar terminology, complicated instructions, and questions that aren’t easy to answer without additional explanation.
We believe people should understand what a form is asking—and why that information matters—before deciding how to complete it.
That’s why we created FormExplainer.
What We Do
FormExplainer provides free, step-by-step explanations of commonly used legal and government forms in clear, everyday English.
Our guides walk through forms one question at a time, explaining what each section means, what information it requests, and why that information may be important.
Many form instructions tell you what information to provide without explaining why it’s being requested. We believe that context makes all the difference.
We focus on three areas:
Immigration & Asylum
Guidance for understanding immigration applications, petitions, employment authorization, and asylum-related forms.
Divorce & Family Law
Explanations of California divorce, child custody, support, and financial-disclosure forms.
Probate & Estates
Guidance for understanding California probate petitions, notices, and estate administration forms.
We also answer common questions about the procedures and requirements associated with these forms.
Our goal is to make complicated paperwork less intimidating and help people approach it with greater understanding and confidence.
How We Develop Our Guides
Accuracy matters, especially when important legal documents are involved.
We research our guides using official government forms, published instructions, applicable laws, court rules, and other authoritative resources. We also consult with attorneys and incorporate their insights where relevant.
Our aim is to make complicated information understandable without sacrificing accuracy.
Our guides are designed to be:
- Clear: Straightforward explanations of unfamiliar terms and requirements.
- Practical: Helpful examples and context explaining what information a form requests and why.
- Comprehensive: Coverage of important sections, including issues that may require additional attention.
- Accessible: Available online without fees or subscriptions.
We periodically review our content as forms and requirements change. Our guides also identify relevant official resources so readers can consult the underlying materials themselves.
Why FormExplainer Is Free
We believe understanding legal paperwork shouldn’t require paying someone simply to explain what a form says.
FormExplainer is currently offered as a free public information resource.
We’re developing and improving the service based on the questions people ask and the information they find most useful.
There are no subscription fees or charges to access our guides.
Understanding Our Role
FormExplainer is an independent, privately operated information service. We are not a government agency, law firm, or legal aid organization, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the courts or government agencies whose forms we explain.
Our guides provide general legal information, not individualized legal advice.
We don’t determine how someone should answer a particular question, make legal decisions or recommendations on their behalf, or represent them in legal proceedings.
Some legal matters involve complicated facts or significant consequences. In those situations, consulting a qualified attorney or an appropriate legal assistance organization may be advisable.
Our purpose is to help people better understand the documents and procedures involved so they can make more informed decisions about their next steps.