In Pro Per (In Propria Persona) - Pro Se Litigant, Self Representation, Representing Yourself in California

An In Pro Per litigant (short for In Propria Persona or "for oneself") also called Pro Se means without an attorney and refers to a litigant representing himself/herself in court. With the escalating cost of legal services, pricing many consumers out of the traditional retainer-based full representation and full service client model, more and more consumers are choosing to represent themselves. This is often the case with no-fault divorces or uncontested divorces.

Drawback of In Pro Per Self-Representation
Self-representation for the in pro per litigant in the family court can be an overwhelming undertaking, especially when the in pro per litigant is faced with a contested case and/or complex family law issues. While some in pro per litigants are savvy about preparing their own legal documents and comfortable representing themselves in court, the majority are not. Taking on the responsibilities associated with self-representation in the family court for the average person will be an overwhelming and challenging task. Additionally, the family court has often complained that self-representation leads to family courts clogged with faulty paperwork and confused litigants, increasing the time, effort and resources required to finish even the simplest family law case.

What if I want attorney assistance but don't want or need full representation?
There are alternatives to full representation. These provide attorney assistance in navigating the family court without the high cost of full representation. Some low cost alternatives to full representation that provide attorney assistance to help the unrepresented or In Pro Per litigant are as follows:

• Document Preparation Services - help with preparing court documents at your direction by

a non-attorney or attorney document preparation service
• Limited Scope Representation - attorney contracts with client to represent him/her in court

for a very specific hearing for a flat fee
• Attorney-Assisted Method - a unique method for divorce, annulment and paternity actions for a

flat fee

What if I can't afford an attorney?
For the In Pro Per litigant seeking assistance with navigating the family court who cannot afford traditional full representation, he/she can explore other family law options available that are designed to help the In Pro Per litigant. Some low-cost alternatives to full representation attorneys to help the unrepresented or In Pro Per litigant are as follows:

• Family Law Facilitator - each California family court should provide the public with free

assistance through a family law facilitator office to help you with your family law issues
• Document Preparation Services - help with preparing court documents at your direction by

a non-attorney or attorney document preparation service
• Limited Scope Representation - attorney contracts with client to represent him/her in court

for a very specific hearing for a flat fee
• Attorney-Assisted Method - a unique method for divorce, annulment and paternity actions for a

flat fee

Featured Family Law Help for the In Pro Per Litigant

Family Law Facilitator Office		Southern California
A family law facilitator through your Superior Court may be able to help you for free.

If you are seeking legal advice you will need to speak with an attorney. To present your case to Southern California divorce attorneys, divorce lawyers, and child custody attorneys in your area now, click here >>

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