Dear Friend and Fellow Advocate,

I receive a number of letters/e-mails a week from Fathers nationwide. One of the topics frequently mentioned is that of attorney's and representing yourself in family court. Many have asked, "Do I need an attorney or can I represent myself?" Many also ask, "What if my EX has an attorney and I don't? "Will the Judge look down' on me IF I don't have an attorney?" 'What are my options if I don't have the money for an attorney? " Is there such a thing as Pro Bono (free) attorneys?" These are all valid questions that deserve an answer.

Before I begin let me first debunk a HUGE myth related to family law. In 28 years of Fathers rights legal advocacy I have NEVER met a single pro bono or free Fathers right attorney. Never! Truth is: Pro-bono attorneys don't exist in family law. I am aware of a few women's groups that provide free legal assistance to women in domestic violence cases but I am not aware of any such group that assist Fathers. I also know that the governmental child support agencies in all states offer free legal services to Mothers but NOT to Fathers.  It has been my observation that Pro-bono attorney's are usually limited to criminal law and civil rights cases but definitely not family law. However, if you know of a free pro bono attorney that handles Fathers rights family law cases please forward me the contact information and I will be glad to post it for free on this website. Bottom line: if Fathers want help they will have to pay! 

So, let me answer the questions:  The answer to the first question is: YES, Absolutely you can represent yourself BUT there is a VERY BIG "IF" attached to this question. You CAN be successful in family court representing yourself IF:

IF you know where to go, what to say, what to do and how to act.

IF you know what NOT to say and/or do.

IF you know what to file, when to file and where to file with the court.

IF all of your paperwork including pleadings, forms, affidavits, declarations, motions, petitions, exhibits and attachments have ALL been properly completed, filed and served.

IF you understand the court's rules and civil procedure.

In other words you CAN successfully represent yourself without an attorney BUT you will need legal help and navigation.

**(Be sure and read Free Report #2 "The Truth about Family Law and Attorney's)

Since I began offering Fathers Rights legal assistance 25 years ago I keep hearing the same recurring statements about family law attorneys.

• "I can NEVER get a hold of him and he NEVER calls me back"

• "He never responds to my messages"

• "It seems like my attorney isn't doing anything for me."

• "The only two times I saw my attorney is the day I paid him and the morning of court. It was like he hadn't even looked at my case file."

• "I learned more from the Fathers Rights Survival Guide than I EVER learned from my attorney."

• "My attorney charged me $3,000.00 and didn't do anything."

• "My attorney talked a great game in the beginning BUT after I paid him he didn't do ANYTHING he said he would do. My case turned out completely different that what he predicted."

• "I just don't have the money to continue with my attorney."

If you have ever had a family law attorney I am sure you strongly identify with these remarks.

Here is the GOOD NEWS for 2023:

Most family courts today are a VERY "self help/user" friendly. (Please read Free Report #5 - "How To Use On-Line Legal Information and Services.") Wherefore a very high percentage of family law cases are successfully resolved without an attorney. Furthermore, most states have a number of low cost/no cost self help legal options available depending on the legal requirements of your case. These options can include document preparation, court filing, process service, notary public and other necessary legal services.

A word of caution: Although the family courts have become very self help/user friendly do not be mistaken. You cannot simply fill out a bunch of papers and file them with the court so that you can tell the Judge your side of the story. I'm afraid it isn't that easy and in fact, it is legally dangerous!

To be successful in family court requires case evaluation and analysis, legal knowledge and planning, strategy and guidance and most important; on-going legal navigation. It requires the formulation of a sound "legal game plan" and its proper execution. It requires simple legal knowledge of the family code, case law and rules of court procedure in your State. When everything you need to learn/know/say/do has been accomplished and a "legal game plan" developed, only then should you file documents with the court. (The Advocate Plans can assist and direct you in acquiring accurate and precise document preparation, court filing and process services as well as step by step self help legal navigation.)

I have been a Father rights self help legal and political advocate for 27 years and am very well acquainted with the family code, case laws and court procedures in your State. Furthermore, I live, breath and sleep Fathers rights 24/7 wherefore I would love to help you accomplish your legal goals. So, If your tired of attorney's that don't call you back, aren't prepared, taken your money but have done nothing to help you; if you have exhausted your financial resources and can no longer afford an attorney then I would highly recommend that you purchase one of the The Advocate Plans.  In truth, The Advocate Plans are truly the BEST self help legal assistance any father could ever receive!