What is a pro se litigant?

A pro se litigant is a legal term used to describe a person who represents themselves in a court of law without a lawyer. In Nebraska, a pro se litigant must be able to adequately understand the law and the legal process in order to effectively argue their case. In fact, individuals who choose to represent themselves are held to the same standards as an attorney throughout the court proceedings. Pro se litigants typically choose to represent themselves due to a number of factors such as a lack of available resources, legal fees, or perhaps a desire to be in control of the proceedings. Although there can be many benefits to representing yourself in court, it is important to understand the nature of the legal proceedings and to be aware of the complexities of the court system. Failure to do so can put a person at a disadvantage to the opposing party. The court will provide access to legal forms, instructions, and information in order to help those representing themselves, however, they are largely responsible for understanding the legal information presented and navigating the court system. Furthermore, while the law requires that all parties in a court case must be treated fairly, the court may not provide the same level of guidance to a pro se litigant as they would to an attorney. It is advised that individuals seriously consider all their options before deciding to represent themselves in court.

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