Under the law, all adults have the right to represent themselves. When acting on your own behalf, you are unrepresented, so you are called "pro se” or “self represented.” You should be aware that it is often difficult to represent yourself. If not advised by an attorney having the depth of knowledge and experience in handling your specific type of legal matter, you may unknowingly jeopardize important legal rights.
When representing yourself, you should avoid non-lawyers who offer assistance in drafting legal documents or standardized forms for a fee. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has free, state-approved standardized court forms available online. The SCAO website also has information about mediation and dispute resolution options that may help you avoid going to court. For more information on self help, visit our self-help resources page.