Self Representation in Court

Week 1:

Introduction to Family Law

Aim: To provide an overview of family law and the family court system.

Content:

  • What is family law? Types of family law cases

  • Overview of the family court system

  • Legal terminology

  • The role of the judge

Week 2:

Preparing for Court

Aim: To help you prepare for your court appearance.

Content:

  • Gathering evidence: Types of evidence, Admissibility of evidence, Documenting evidence

  • Organizing your case: Creating a case file, Developing a case strategy

  • Drafting documents: Pleadings, Motions, Orders

  • Preparing for trial: Trial preparation checklist, Mock trial exercises

Week 3:

Representing Yourself in Court

Week 3: Representing Yourself in Court

Content:

  • Presenting your case: Opening statement, Direct examination, Exhibits

  • Questioning witnesses: Types of questions, Cross-examination, Redirect examination

  • Making objections: Types of objections, When to make objections, How to make objections

Week 4:

After the Trial

Week 4: After the Trial

Content:

  • Post-trial motions: Types of post-trial motions, Filing a post-trial motion

  • Appeals: Grounds for appeal, Filing an appeal

  • Enforcing court orders: Types of court orders, Enforcing court orders

  • Resources for self-represented litigants: Legal aid organizations, Pro bono legal services, Online resources