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Representing Yourself in Court

This guide offers definitions of common terms, rules of thumb, common procedures and best practice for representing yourself in court.

About this guide

A note on self-representation:

You have the right to represent yourself in any court proceeding. However, the case could have long-term consequences and you may wish to consult with an attorney to provide you advice and guidance through the process. This guide is intended only as a basic explanation of court terms and etiquette. The information provided is not legal advice and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney. If you decide you would like an attorney to represent you, a list of resources to help meet your needs can be found at the bottom of this guide.

Acknowledgment

The Hamilton County Law Library would like to thank the Indiana Supreme Court for providing the groundwork for much of the information contained in this guide.