Although you have an absolute right to represent yourself, there are significant risks and
responsibilities which go along with that right. It is important that you carefully examine the risks
at every stage of the court process to determine if you are able to go forward without an attorney. If you cannot afford to retain an attorney, you should also look into getting some type of more affordable, limited scope type help from a family law attorney.
- Keep all of your legal papers organized and in one place.
- ‚ Keep track of important dates in your case, such as filing deadlines, response deadlines,confirmation times, hearing dates and trial dates.
- Preparing Your Forms. Family Law Forms for Court Pleadings usually are available at the Clerk’s Office or on the Court's website.
- If there is one in he County in which your case is being heard, it is a good idea to review all pleadings with the Courthouse Facilitator before going forward to make sure you have the right forms.
- File your documents with the Court and have the other party(s) properly served with the documents (generally you can have the local sheriff serve them).
- Get a Hearing date.
- Dress professionally for Court.
- Arrive early to Court.
- When your case is called, you walk forward to the Bar, behind which are sitting the Clerk and Judge. You can put your papers and notes on top of the Bar or Counsel Table.
- Speak only to the Judge and not to the other party. Unless you have a legal objection, do not interrupt the other side. Keep your argument simple and relevant to the issues. Tell the Judge what you want and why you want it. If necessary, counter any arguments brought up by the other party.
- Conclude with a summary of what you want.
- If you are the one seeking an Order of the Court, have a proposed Order with you so that the Judge’s ruling can be set out in writing and filed promptly.
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