Understanding Pro Se Litigation
Hello, my name is Dillan Savage of Wirth Law Office – Oklahoma City. Today we are going to be discussing whether or not you as an individual in a custody case or any other case can represent yourself without an attorney.
Simply put, the answer is yes. There is a specific name for this: you would be called a pro se litigant, meaning you are representing yourself. Now the next question is whether or not this is a good idea.
The Pros and Cons of Representing Yourself
On the one hand, representing yourself could save you money. On the other hand, it is not always a good idea. By doing so, you would allow the other party’s attorney, if they have one, to directly contact you, removing the protective buffer that an attorney provides.
Additionally, you will be held to the same standards as an attorney. This means you have to meet all deadlines and present documents in the same way that an attorney must. You must also comply with all requirements under Oklahoma law, which can be overwhelming.
The Risks of Pro Se Representation
It is widely recognized among attorneys that even they should think twice before representing themselves in court. This is because of the many protections and buffers that a legal representative offers. When you represent yourself, there is a higher risk of becoming emotionally involved and losing sight of the case’s objectives.
So, to wrap this up, yes, you can represent yourself in your own case without an attorney, but it is generally not a wise decision. The potential pitfalls often outweigh the benefits, especially when navigating the complexities of the legal system.
Get Expert Guidance Today!
If you found this information helpful or believe it could assist someone else, please visit TheOklahomaCityAttorney.com. For personalized advice, consider a low-cost consultation. My name is Dillan Savage at Wirth Law Office, and you can reach me at 405-888-5400. Thank you for watching!
