What does pro se mean?
It means that you are acting as your own lawyer. Remember that our laws and procedures can be complicated. If you do not have legal training, you might make mistakes that could jeopardize your case.

Do I have to hire an attorney?
No. You are not required to hire an attorney, but it is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney for legal advice about your case.

What if I can't afford an attorney?
There are a number of legal aid offices around the state that provide legal assistance in civil matters to people who cannot afford an attorney. There are also "pro bono" programs that recruit attorneys to take cases for free. If you are charged with a criminal offense, the court can appoint an attorney for you. Review the Legal Assistance section of this web-site for more information.

What can I do to prepare for Court when representing myself?
Open one of these documents to find lists of things to keep in mind when preparing for court.
MS Word | Adobe PDF

En Español: Como prepararse para ir a la Corte
MS Word | Adobe PDF
*Ud. necesita tener ya sea Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader para acceder a ellos. Adobe Acrobat Reader está disponible sin costo en el sitio de Adobe en www.adobe.com.

Can the court staff assist me with my case?
Open one of these documents to find lists of things that court staff can and cannot do for you.
MS Word | Adobe PDF