Representing Yourself

	REPRESENTING YOURSELF

A person who chooses to represent themselves in a court proceeding rather than hiring an attorney is referred to as a "pro per" or "pro se" litigant.

Any person may represent themselves in a court of law.  You may not represent a corporation or another person unless you are a licensed attorney.

 

Standards:

It may be difficult to represent yourself in court proceedings because a person who appears Pro Per is held to the same standards and duties as an attorney.  Such person is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish his or her purposes in accordance with the applicable statutes and court rules. Judges, hearing officials and court staff cannot provide legal advise.  Consult the Michigan Court Rules and other Michigan laws rather than asking court personnel.  Court personnel are allowed to provide procedural information only.

Seeking Advise:

There is a law library located on the second floor of the Lapeer County Complex available to the public. If you need legal advise you may contact local attorneys by looking through the Yellow Pages or you can contact the State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI  48933, 1-800-968-0738. The State Bar of Michigan also has an online legal self-help center that provides resources to the public: State Bar of Michigan - Online Legal Self-Help Center

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