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Curious, anyone gone completely without an attorney?

southernshellgirl's picture

Submitted by southernshellgirl on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 9:20am

DH and I made it almost all the way through our first round in court without an attorney, but we had the assisstance of Texas Father's For Equal Rights instructing us on how to file and what the paperwork should look like. We would have finished that way if it weren't for BM's jerk of an attorney refusing to cooperate. He completely ignored us as we tried to do what the judge ordered and schedule mediation.

We would have stuck it to him if we only knew how!

Now as we look at possibly HAVING to go back to court, DH is certain we can do it alone.

I think maybe, if BM does not have an attorney.

And when DH says "we", He really means me, going through all previous paperwork and typing new using the format and entering new info. I even had to do that for our previous attorney, SEVERAL TIMES. And we still owe the man 20 grand!

I was reading online that 90% of people who go pro se are satisfied with their results. And I do think the Judge was fair with us when we did not have an attorney, but I was terrified to try to go to final trial without one.

Has anyone here had experience going without an attorney all the way?

Comments

smurfy1smile's picture

Submitted by smurfy1smile on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 9:43am

I did all my own child support proceedings without an attorney and felt I was treated fairly and the judge was nice and explained everything to me.

Be prepared, that the facts shine, remain calm and put on your game face - these are words from an attorney friend of BF's.

non_mom23's picture

Submitted by non_mom23 on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 11:45am

You seem to be quite intelligent people, considering you want higher advice from lawyers. Money is definitely an issue, for all court hearings. If you feel confident and are really prepared for your cases then you should be fine.

An ex of my friend went to court w/o a lawyer. She said it was a joke. He, though, is not intelligent.

My H does go to court with an attorney, he is amazing. He is cutthroat. That's one plus, knowing the ins and outs of the law and what you can get away with. I wish you luck, you're intelligent and you'll be fine with proper preparations.