Representing Yourself in Divorce - Your Responsibilities

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-622374416015455255.post-72120567917542883822008-05-04T20:40:00.002-04:002008-05-04T20:43:34.608-04:00Representing Yourself in Divorce - Your Responsibilities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CBM_HXzix8k/SB5XxtX1fQI/AAAAAAAAAGo/MOCqw9hgKI8/s1600-h/MPj03990410000%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_CBM_HXzix8k/SB5XxtX1fQI/AAAAAAAAAGo/MOCqw9hgKI8/s200/MPj03990410000%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196687531536907522" border="0" /></a>Representing yourself in your divorce case is called “pro se.” Legal dictionaries define "pro se" as someone who represents them self in a legal procedure without an attorney. <o:p></o:p> You have the right to represent yourself in court, however, you must understand that choosing to represent yourself means the court will expect you to follow the same rules and procedures that an attorney must follow. You will need to study <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> law and procedures.<o:p></o:p> The judge in your case must remain impartial and cannot do anything to give any appearance of being partial to either side. This includes giving legal advice and having contact with either party without the other being present. When you go into court, the judge may give you information about what may be wrong with the papers you filed. Listen carefully.<o:p></o:p> Court staff can only assist you with procedures. Procedural information includes such matters as where to obtain forms for some procedures, how to file a petition, answer requirements, service requirements on common procedures, how to get a default, how to file a motion, how to get a hearing, etc. <o:p></o:p> Very often there is a fine line between procedural information and legal advice. Staff cannot give legal advice. Basically, questions are taken on an individual basis and a judgment is made about whether or not the question involves giving legal advice. If you are told that your question is legal advice, just accept that it is and don't continue to question court employees to help you when they cannot. <o:p></o:p> Filling out forms is definitely considered legal advice. You will need to seek an attorney’s assistance or learn some <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Florida</st1:state></st1:place> law if you have any questions regarding "what to put in the blanks." The DIY Divorce courses are designed to help you learn <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state> divorce law. Use the box on the left to sign up now for a free <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Tele-Test Drive</st1:address></st1:street>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><div class="blogger-post-footer">?alt=rss</div>DYI Divorce(sm)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05021843579586516584noreply@blogger.com