Information for First Time Visitors
This website provides access to many resources available for those considering self representation including standardized forms, legal resources, and legal information.
Required Litigant Awareness Program
A person who is a party to a family law case is called a "litigant." The Litigant Awareness Program is designed to assist parties in making informed decisions about self representation, to inform parties of the risks and responsibilities of self representation, to improve accessibility to and understanding of the court system, and to provide parties with available resources. The Supreme Court of Missouri requires every litigant representing himself or herself in a family law case to complete a Litigant Awareness Program.
The Litigant Awareness Program may be available in different formats such as online instruction or live class instruction depending on the resources available in the county where your case will be filed. First, check with your local court (or click here) to determine if a live course is offered. If a litigant awareness program is not available locally, you may complete the statewide Litigant Awareness Program.
Should I go to court without a lawyer?
It generally is not a good idea to go to court without a lawyer. In fact, most people hire a lawyer to handle their case in the court system because it is not easy to do without the training, experience, and knowledge of how the system works. Plus, there are significant risks and responsibilities associated with representing yourself in court without a lawyer.
You do have the right to represent yourself in Missouri court. Going to court without a lawyer is called pro se and pronounced "pro-say." If you are considering representing yourself, you should explore the risks and determine if you can fulfill the responsibilities required. Your case may be too complex to handle on your own. Sometimes when people represent themselves, they end up having to hire a lawyer to "fix" their mistakes, which can be costly. It is a good idea to start by talking to a lawyer about your problem to find out if your case is a simple one or one that can get complicated before you decide to represent yourself in court.
Comment questions about using this website and the resources provided are answered on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
This website provides access to many resources available for those considering self representation including standardized forms, legal resources, and legal information.
Required Litigant Awareness Program
A person who is a party to a family law case is called a "litigant." The Litigant Awareness Program is designed to assist parties in making informed decisions about self representation, to inform parties of the risks and responsibilities of self representation, to improve accessibility to and understanding of the court system, and to provide parties with available resources. The Supreme Court of Missouri requires every litigant representing himself or herself in a family law case to complete a Litigant Awareness Program.
The Litigant Awareness Program may be available in different formats such as online instruction or live class instruction depending on the resources available in the county where your case will be filed. First, check with your local court (or click here) to determine if a live course is offered. If a litigant awareness program is not available locally, you may complete the statewide Litigant Awareness Program.
Should I go to court without a lawyer?
It generally is not a good idea to go to court without a lawyer. In fact, most people hire a lawyer to handle their case in the court system because it is not easy to do without the training, experience, and knowledge of how the system works. Plus, there are significant risks and responsibilities associated with representing yourself in court without a lawyer.
You do have the right to represent yourself in Missouri court. Going to court without a lawyer is called pro se and pronounced "pro-say." If you are considering representing yourself, you should explore the risks and determine if you can fulfill the responsibilities required. Your case may be too complex to handle on your own. Sometimes when people represent themselves, they end up having to hire a lawyer to "fix" their mistakes, which can be costly. It is a good idea to start by talking to a lawyer about your problem to find out if your case is a simple one or one that can get complicated before you decide to represent yourself in court.
Comment questions about using this website and the resources provided are answered on the Frequently Asked Questions page.