This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case. Find the Right Court. Litigate for the Right Reasons. Mediate Instead of Litigate. Communicate With Your Attorney. Be Willing to Negotiate. Follow Court Procedures. You'll Need a Good Lawyer.
Dress professionally and appropriately. It is not necessary to dress like a lawyer, but conservative and “business casual” is a good rule. Do wear tidy clothing and groom yourself neatly. You want to be taken seriously by the judge.
Don't lie about anything, not even white small lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth. Don't argue with the questioner. Don't ask questions back: “What would you do if…”
Sam Sloan, a non-lawyer, faced a complex tax evasion case. Undeterred by the legal intricacies involved, he decided to represent himself in court. With meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of tax law, Sloan successfully defended himself, winning a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court.
If you believe you were fired for illegal discrimination, you usually have 180 days to preserve your claims with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. In other situations, you may have anywhere from 30 days to two years to file a wrongful termination claim.
You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
Seven Tips When Representing Yourself In Court Make a good impression. If you dress nicely, it tells the judge that you respect the courtroom and care about your case. Be respectful. Know what to ask. Arrive early. Tell your story. Come prepared. Use a lawyer if you need help.
If you want to file a motion, the process is generally something like this: You write your motion. You file your motion with the court clerk. The court clerk inserts the date and time your motion will be heard by the judge. You “serve” (mail) your motion to the other side.
In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
Write your legal argument by stating the rule and explaining how your facts apply to it. Then, add your signature, a Certificate of Service, and a Notice of Hearing. File your motion with the clerk of court overseeing your case. Then, give copies to each defendant.