Self-Representation

So you’ve decided to go ahead with that court case. You can’t find a lawyer you can afford. Your legal situation is pretty serious, and you are determined to go ahead….

It is always advisable to seek legal counsel to represent you!

Every lawyer you’ve talked to (and the judge) is going to tell you that it is advisable to get a lawyer. But you can’t afford one. The quotes you’re getting are outrageous!  Maybe the other side has already filed something against you, and you can’t wait.

Self-representation is always an option. It is not ideal. You are expected to know the law, just like you are expected to know the rules of the road. If you actually manage to get the right paperwork to get your case started, then you’re going to show up in court, with the judge asking you for things you’ve never heard of, or telling you there is nothing they can do if you don’t file … something ….  If there is an attorney on the other side, they may well eat you for lunch. Maybe your ex filed something against you. You got papers. Did you see the part on the “summons” where it says you have to respond within 30 days? Thirty days from when? (In Missouri, an Answer is generally due within 30 days of being served, but not always, it depends on the case). When does the 30 days run out???

The best possible situation is you go hire a lawyer. Lawyers bill hourly, generally don’t know exactly how many hours a case will take, and don’t like giving out estimates of how much they think a case will actually cost.

Let’s talk about limited scope representation.

This firm offers limited scope representation for limited drafting purposes in some cases in the State of Missouri only. We will draft for you a packet of all the documents necessary for the filing of some cases, such as divorces and custody modification, and some basic filing instructions. Other case options may be available on a case-by-case accommodation; you will have to reach out directly to negotiate arrangements for that.

If you use our services, for a custody case, for example, we will draft the documents necessary for you to file your case, depending on what package you select, we will offer one revision for typos, or one revision for typos or for substance (like if you’ve negotiated and worked out some terms). If you and your ex are getting along, we will still only represent one party, but we will draft the papers as you direct us to do. You will receive an email packet, which you can print, sign (and have notarized), and walk into the courthouse to file. You will be responsible for your court filing fee. 

We will not be representing you in your court case. As mentioned above, it is always ideal to have an attorney. We are offering to prepare all the paperwork you need to file your case, based on information received by us from you, after payment of a retainer and we receive your completed forms.  Once the paperwork is drafted, it will be up to you to deal with your case in court, although you can always hire an attorney at any time you feel you need one. We will not guarantee outcomes of any court case you may file, and we are not liable for the status of any case. We will assist you in having what you need to get started, drafted by a real lawyer, not AI, in accordance with Missouri Law, which will look formal and lawyerly, and be in a legally appropriate format that the court can work with.

If this notion is attractive to you, please feel free to continue to browse this website for your options. Remember, it is always best to hire an attorney! But we can absolutely draft paperwork for you, as laid out in this website.