While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect special treatment, help or assistance from the court or it’s staff. The following is a list of things that the court staff can and cannot do for you:
The court staff can:
- Explain and answer questions about how the court works.
- Tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court.
- Give you some information from your case file.
- Provide you with samples of court forms that are available.
- Provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms.
- Usually answer questions about court deadlines.
The court staff cannot:
- Give you legal advice. (Only a lawyer can give you legal advice).
- Tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
- Give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court.
- Recommend a lawyer.
- Talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case.
- Let you talk to the judge outside of court.
- Change an order issued by a judge.