Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form DC-002, Motion

Filers often overlook the 'Restricted Information' checkbox or fail to file the required Notice (form MDJ-008) when their motion contains sensitive data. This happens due to a misunderstanding of what constitutes restricted information, such as financial account numbers or medical details. This error can lead to the public disclosure of confidential data and rejection of the filing by the court clerk, causing significant delays. Always review your motion for sensitive details and, if present, check the box and file the separate MDJ-008 form as instructed.

People frequently enter the case number with typos, transposed digits, or missing the letters and dashes that are part of the official number. This is a critical error because the case number is the primary identifier for the court's filing system. An incorrect number will cause the motion to be misfiled or rejected, leading to significant delays and potentially missed deadlines. To avoid this, carefully copy the case number exactly as it appears on previous court documents.

A common failure is not clearly stating the factual background, the legal reason for the request, and the specific relief the filer wants the judge to grant in the 'MOTION' text area. This often occurs when a self-represented party is unsure of legal phrasing. A vague motion is likely to be denied because the judge cannot understand what is being asked or why. To avoid this, clearly state 'I am asking the Court to...' and then list the specific order you want, followed by the facts and rules that support your request.

This section is frequently filled out incorrectly, with filers forgetting to specify the date of service, check the method (mail or hand delivery), or sign it. An improper Certificate of Service can invalidate the entire motion, as it fails to provide the required proof that the opposing party was properly notified. Always complete this section immediately after serving the other party, ensuring every field is filled and the date, method, and signature are accurate.

Filers who want to argue their motion in person before a judge often forget to check the 'Request hearing on Motion' box. If this box is not checked, the judge may decide the motion based solely on the written documents ('on the papers'), without giving the filer a chance to present oral arguments or answer questions. If you believe a hearing is necessary to explain your position, you must explicitly request one by checking the appropriate box.

Filers may use nicknames, abbreviations, or misspell the full legal names of the Plaintiff/Judgment Creditor or Defendant/Judgment Debtor. The names on the motion must exactly match the names on the official court record to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges. Using an incorrect name can cause delays in processing or even lead to the motion being unenforceable against the intended party. Always use the full, correctly spelled legal names as they appear on the original complaint.

Self-represented parties (acting as their own attorney) sometimes get confused and check the 'attorney' box or leave the entire representation section blank. This can cause confusion for the court clerk and the judge. If you are not a licensed attorney, you should check the box for the party you are (plaintiff or defendant) or, if applicable, check 'other' and specify 'self-represented' or 'pro se'.

Filers sometimes forget to enter the specific City/County and address of the District Court where the case is being heard at the top of the form. This information is crucial for routing the document to the correct courthouse and clerk's office for filing. Submitting a motion without the proper court location will result in its rejection and return, delaying the legal process. Ensure the header is completely filled out with the correct court's name and address.

When a form is only available as a non-fillable PDF, people print it and fill it out by hand, often with poor handwriting. Illegible information for names, addresses, or the motion text itself can make it impossible for the court to process the document, leading to rejection. To prevent this, it's best to use a fillable version. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can convert flat, non-fillable PDFs into fillable ones, ensuring all entries are clear and legible.

A common mistake by inexperienced filers is to write in the 'ORDER' section at the bottom of the form, sometimes checking 'GRANTED' themselves. This section is reserved exclusively for the judge to issue their ruling on the motion. Filling out this part of the form will cause the filing to be rejected and demonstrates a misunderstanding of court procedure. Leave the entire 'ORDER' section blank for the judge to complete.