Pro Se Litigants Choose the Right Attorney for You

Pro Se (representing one's self) is a very uncomfortable choice in a Family Court setting. More times than not, people feel as though they're not being heard; no matter how much they've studied legal terms codes, that they are just not getting their point across without seeming belligerent, incompetent, and emotional. Being a Pro Se litigant will a large majority of time end up in frustration and pain especially when the opposing party has an attorney. A lot of times, it almost seems as though the attorney and their client are outright picking at you through malicious smiles and, nonchalant shrugs of their shoulder. This attitude from opposing council could cause the pro se litigant to forget the legal information that they have studied for night and day, and further shuffling papers that were already in order. To me and many others, this is a form of intimidation no matter the legal superiority, I believe that no one should have to stand in court without council at any time.

Never feel as though you don't have any choices because although the law seems as though it wasn't created to help you it can and will as long as you seek it in the right way. Your ex spouse or ex partner might have an attorney every time you go to court and you may be pro se(representing yourself) and all the legal jargon is flying right over your head and the judge may not be paying as much attention to you as they are the other party and their attorney. There are a few reasons for that:

Some judges show an utter dislike for pro se litigants, even though they won't say it. Some times they may not even look at you but rather the other attorney. This is because the attorney knows all the legal terms that need to be stated. Doesn't seem fair does it? I know.

Some judges may think in your anxiousness to seem well versed in family law, no matter how true it may be on your part, and of course depending on the judge, that you are wasting your time because much like the Bible where some people misunderstand the usage of verses the same way with the judicial systems law, you may be using it in the wrong situation.

The other attorney can quickly get their point across and the session is quickly over. Many times this ends with you wondering what has happened and why it is, you fill like someone just had an inside joke that you're not a part of.

I know none of the reasons listed for not listening to pro se litigants seem unfair, and many judges will most likely never admit to this lack of moral character and ethics, but that's just the way it is. If you have a bit of money saved up, get yourself an attorney.

Some people believe that because an attorney requests a $200 consultation fee, and a $3000 retainer, that they aren't going to have any help. You can receive help and I'm not talking about legal aid either. Some attorneys will allow you to pay a smaller amount up front and pay the rest in installments. Don't be afraid to ask an attorney if they will take installments. I remember a time when I was filing some papers in court and saw an attorney speaking to a young woman who had hesitantly approached her. I attempted to be nonchalant in my eavesdropping, and succeeded, because about the time this young woman finished telling her depressing story to the attorney, I almost started to dig in my pockets to help.

The best part about this conversation was that the young woman had worked her way into a free consultation, because the attorney pitched off tactical ideas for court. The amazing thing about that is no fee for talking to an attorney at a court house, but the young woman also told the attorney she didn't have much money and asked if she could pay in installments. After the attorney finished checking their calendar to go to this woman's court case, the attorney said "Yes" and then as they began to walk they discussed the upfront fee and such. This is an attorney I know, who services ran well above $4000, and was willing to do installments.

Do you see how easy it was for the young woman to get legal representation, it is just as easy for you. Go to a court house there's nothing but attorneys there, and eavesdrop. That's right listen to the conversation they have with their clients. What better time is there to see your prospective attorney in action then at court? Then walk up to one of these hard working attorneys and get to telling them about your upcoming case and history. If the attorney doesn't have time to talk they'll eventually tell you, but until they do, go for the gold and tell what you need to.

See don't fear, there are good attorneys out there. From personal experience I will tell you to make sure you don't get an attorney just because they're inexpensive, because nine times out of ten there's a reason for the low service fee. Research your attorney, and don't fall into the trap of the one's who tell you they're going to give you the moon and the stars and your children will be with you before the next sunrise. No attorney can guarantee you the outcome of a case unless they have some questionable ties, but I can guarantee you if the later part holds true, you're going to be paying a whole lot more than a grand and a half for services. So be safe and be careful.

Before you sign the contract to hire an attorney read the fine print because attorneys have mastered the fine print and can shift in and out of loop holes. If you don't understand something then ask. I met with an attorney one time and at the time for the contract to be signed he printed it up with someone else's name on it. I don't mean to make you fear gaining legal representation but you need to be careful, because as many attorneys out there that want to help people there are more attempting to only line their pockets despite the consequences to you. If legal aid isn't the option for you based on what ever reason then attempt to get your own, because you can.