The Litigant Awareness Program    (Español)

You must do this program if you plan to represent yourself in a family law court case. The program tells you about the Missouri court system and the type of case that interests you. You also will learn about the dangers and duties of representing yourself in court. Print the Certificate of Completion at the end of the program and file it in your court case file.

Should I go it alone or get a lawyer? You can ask a lawyer to help you with part of your case. This is called "limited scope representation." You and your lawyer decide what each of you will do to handle your case. A lawyer who agrees to help you with part of your case may charge a fixed fee or charge by the hour. Some things a lawyer may do as part of your case include talk with you about your legal rights, review paperwork, draft legal forms or appear in court with you. A free lawyer may be available in some cases. You may want to review the section of this website titled Getting a Lawyer.

You may begin the Litigant Awareness Program either by watching a video or reading written materials:

Choice one: WATCH A VIDEO (25 minutes). Then take the Self Assessment Survey. Next, read about the type of case that interests you. Lastly, print the Certificate of Completion. File it with the court clerk.

Choice two: READ THE WRITTEN MATERIALS (estimated time is 30 minutes). Learn how the court system works and the steps in a court case, and then take the Self Assessment Survey. Next, read about the type of case that interests you. Lastly, print the Certificate of Completion. File it with the court clerk.

After completing the Litigant Awareness Program, you will be directed to the approved court forms.