What is a pro se litigant?

A pro se litigant is someone who represents themselves in court in Texas without the assistance of a lawyer. Pro se litigants are sometimes referred to as “self-represented litigants” or “self-represented individuals.” This type of litigant is becoming increasingly more common in Texas courts as a result of the high cost of legal representation. Under Texas law, a person has the right to represent themselves in court, no matter what the issue or dispute. However, in court proceedings, the pro se litigant will be held to the same standards as an attorney and is expected to follow the same rules. As such, a pro se litigant must be familiar with the applicable laws, procedures, and court practices in order to have the best chance of success. A pro se litigant is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner in court, just as an attorney would. To this end, the litigant should be well prepared for their court date, familiarize themselves with all evidence and witnesses that will be presented, and ensure that all relevant documents are properly filed. It is important to remember that even though someone is representing themselves in court, they still may not have the same expertise as an attorney. As such, it’s always advisable to seek guidance from legal professionals whenever possible.

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