tools for self-represented litigants
Handling Your Own Divorce
Filing for divorce is challenging, and being represented by a lawyer is highly recommended. However, you have the right to proceed without a lawyer, if you wish. Below is a link to texaslawhelp.org.
Handling Your Own Criminal Case
The law allows people to waive counsel in felony cases in very limited circumstances. In all felony cases there is the risk of prison time -- up to LIFE in prison. There are also life-long consequences that follow criminal convictions of all types. It's not like a traffic ticket where you simply "pay a fine." Click below to see whether you qualify to represent yourself in your felony case.
Domestic and Family Violence Protective Orders
Protective orders are civil court orders designed to stop acts of violence, threatening, harassing, or stalking by abusers. If you feel you need a court order to protect you from such conduct, you should contact your local County Attorney, hire a lawyer to assist you, or file for a protective order. The TYLA "Ending the Violence" pamphlet summarizes eligibility for a protective order, the procedure for obtaining one, and the manner in which a protective order operates in Texas. "Free From Violence" is a comprehensive website for survivors of domestic and elder abuse. You may also click the button below to download the Texas Supreme Court's Protective Order Kit that walks you through the process and provides the necessary forms to file for a protective order.
Texas Rules and Codes
The Rules apply to all cases, whether you are represented or not. You are required to follow all court procedures, meet with all deadlines, and comply with the rules of evidence.
Click the following to access the most commonly used rules in civil and family law cases:
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Texas Rules of Evidence
- Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure
- Texas Family Code, CPRC, and other Texas codes and statutes
Be sure, if you are using Google to do your "legal research," that you are relying upon the CURRENT version of the applicable statutes. These Codes change every two years, and search engines often do not differentiate in their search results.