How can you represent yourself in Court?

Matthew Love

Bad idea. Quite simply you need someone who knows what they're doing or else you have no chance.

just thinking

Sure,you can represent yourself-----but it's not a good idea.

SharpGuy

If you mean court as in a criminal matter, then theres an old saying. He who represents himself, has a fool for a lawyer.

If you mean you want to file a small claims (sue someone for property damage, etc etc) then you just go to your court and they'll direct you to the appropriate place to fill out the form to get things rolling. You have to prove your case, so pictures, any paper work to support your loss, or money's you've already spent, etc, is what you bring with you on your court date.

sisterpoet

You can represent yourself. It's called pro se. But depending on what type of case it is, you might want to consult with an attorney first before doing so. Most will give you a free consult but beware of the money mongers. If you can prove your case without a doubt, don't get taken.

lordtup

You are perfectly entitled to represent yourself or the court will provide you with a defence barrister if required (UK law).It is well to remember the old adage :-
A man who chooses to represent himself in court has a fool for a client

Bardic

If you cannot find anyone to represent you, that should tell you something about your "case".

However, you are entitled to represent yourself in Court,if you insist, though you'd be silly to do so. The Judge will do his/her utmost to keep you on the right lines legally, though they cannot advise you about your case. If it becomes clear that you are getting yourself deep in it, the judge may well stop the case and insist that you take legal advice before proceeding any further.

If you're talking about something in the Small Claims Court, yes it is entirely possible to do it all yourself, there are comprehensive guidelines and the Court staff will steer you through the thicket of paperwork too. The aim of small claims is to make things relatively simple, painfree and cost effective, but make no mistake when you appear before him, the judge is a judge even though he isn't wearing a wig.

Murphy

It very easy, you just show up with out a lawyer!! They say that you have the right to an attorney and if you can't afford one, one will be appointed to you. Bull$hit!! I made (my estranged husband) too much money for a public defender and I couldn't afford an attorney. I had no choice but to defend myself!!!!

Damian McBride

Simple, tell the truth.

I have won several UK small claims court rulings.

Lexie

It depends on what your legal matter is.

People commonly represent themselves in small claims court and in traffic court. There isn't that much at stake, usually, and it's pretty simple to find out the procedures.

Sometimes simple family court matters can be handled that way, too, but it's trickier. Many family court clerks' offices have "pro se" paperwork for people representing themselves.

You always have the right to represent yourself in court but, as has been pointed out, unless it is something super simple, it is rarely a good idea.

Sparky

You can get the information from the Clerk of the Court on how to make legal filings in your jurisdiction. I am curious, however, what you mean by your not being able to find anyone who could help you. Did you try to hire someone and they wouldn't take your case? If so, that usually means that the attorney thinks you have no case and it wouldn't be worth the effort to file it. You'd be wise to take that advice since you could be held legally responsible for filing a false claim or other non legal claim.

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