Suing Without a Lawyer

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel as though you have been wronged and wish to take legal action, but are hesitant to spend the money necessary to hire a lawyer, it’s good to know your options. Individuals are afforded the ability to file suit without the aid of a lawyer. As a matter of fact, many courts are specifically designed to allow people to do just that. In this article, we will outline the basics of filling a law suit on your own.

Step 1 – Small claims courts are the most common type of venue in the legal system which allows the general public to resolve small monetary claims. In many states, legal counsel is forbidden in these courts, as plaintiff and defendant are afforded the opportunity to resolve their differences face to face. Small claims courts act to minimize costs, while allowing individuals to have their case heard before a judge. There are monetary limits imposed state by state, raging anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, regarding the amount individual can ask for. To determine whether your case fits the bill, you can perform a simply search engine search online.

Step 2 – Schedule a free consultation. This is a great way for citizen to obtain legal advice without having to foot a large bill. Additionally, there are a variety of non-profit organizations who provide free legal counsel to citizens in need.

Step 3 – Find yourself a law student who is becoming a lawyer. Many law schools around the country offer free legal advice to people who are interested. This is a great way to gain perspective, while providing students with real world experience in the field. Law professors, ensuring all clients receive the correct advice generally advises these students in the matters at hand.

Step 4 – Be sure when filing that you add the Latin phrase “in pro per” at the bottom of the paperwork. Many states require this in order for individuals to represent themselves.

Step 5 – Be nice to the court clerk. When filing, your primary resource for making sure the correct documents are filed is the court clerk. These individuals are there to provide assistance and advise when filling out any and all court papers. They will help to remind you of costs and the deadlines ahead.

Step 6 – STUDY! If you’re really intent on representing yourself, be sure to go in prepared. No judge likes seeing someone who hasn’t done their homework. Do yourself a favor and stay up to date and informed regarding the case specifics.