Representing Yourself in Court

For many, it is difficult to decide whether or not to hire a lawyer. Below is a list of examples to help you decide whether you should represent yourself or if you should hire a lawyer. Note that these are only examples.

You may need a lawyer if:

You want legal advice.
You do not fully understand papers you received from the other party or from the court. (Court administration or Self-Help Center staff may be able to answer some questions for you.)
You cannot afford to lose your case.
You have a complicated case.
You want to appeal a case.
You are charged with a crime.
You want to sue someone, but you don't know the legal theory or basis for your claim.

You may not need a lawyer if:

You understand your case well enough to explain it to a judge.
You don't get overly nervous speaking in public, like a courtroom.
You are organized and keep accurate records.
You have time to prepare papers, make copies, learn the required steps, file papers with the court, do legal research, and attend court hearings.
You have time to respond (right away) to papers you receive from the other party.
You are able to read, understand, and respond promptly to all papers you get from the court.
Your case is relatively simple and no one will come forward to argue against what you want.
You are comfortable negotiating with the other side or their lawyer, if represented.
You speak, read, and write English well.
When you read state laws and court rules and cases, you understand what you have read.

If you are not sure if you need or want a lawyer, you should get legal advice before making a final decision. Many lawyers offer free consultations where they will give you brief advice for free. Also, many lawyers now offer "limited scope" services so you can pay for just a limited service (such as drafting paperwork) without hiring the lawyer for full representation. Go to Find a Lawyer for links to search for a lawyer online.

NOTE: A corporation or LLC must be represented by an attorney in District Court, which includes having a lawyer sign court papers on behalf of the client-corporation or LLC.

EXCEPTION: For cases limited to the Hennepin County "Housing Court," MN Gen. Rule of Practice 603 may allow a principal (or agent) of the corporation or LLC to sign court papers or appear in court on behalf of the business entity. You should get legal advice if you have questions about this issue in your case.

Many lawyers offer consultations where they will give you brief advice for free. There are other free or low-cost options which may be available to you, including free legal advice clinics. Also, many lawyers now offer "limited scope" services so you can pay for just a limited service (such as drafting paperwork) without hiring the lawyer for full representation. Go to Find a Lawyer for links to search for a lawyer online.

Conciliation Court, also known as "small claims court," is designed for people who represent themselves without a lawyer. However, you still may hire lawyer to represent you if you wish to do so. The Conciliation Court can hear certain types of claims for a limited amount of money. Visit the Conciliation Court Help Topic for more details on the types of claims and amount of money that can be handled in Conciliation Court when deciding whether to hire an lawyer.

You can use this website to learn more about legal information, court forms, and procedures. You can even fill out certain court forms through Minnesota Guide & File, which is an online interview tool that helps people fill out and electronically file court forms. The MN Judicial Branch website is organized by legal topic, with links that connect you to other organizations that offer legal help and information. LawHelpMN.org is another website with helpful information for people who are representing themselves.

Self-Help Centers have staff who can answer questions about court forms and processes by phone, email, or, in some counties, in person. Law Librarians can also direct you to legal materials and help with legal research. Many courthouses have free legal advice clinics as well. To learn more about Self-Help Centers or find a free legal advice clinic, go to the Self-Help Center Help Topic.

You can also ask a lawyer to help you with certain parts of your case but still represent yourself. A lawyer can coach you or do research for you and can help you understand what is involved in representing yourself. Go to Find a Lawyer for more information.

Please visit the Tools and Resources tab for additional resources if you are representing yourself in court.

We strongly encourage you to talk with a lawyer if you are not sure what to do in your case.

Representing Yourself in Court

Frequently Asked Questions

You may need a lawyer if:

You may not need a lawyer if:

Need Help?

Get Legal Help

State Law Library

Representing Yourself in Court

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hire a lawyer?

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

My case is in small claims court – do I still need a lawyer?

Can I avoid going to court?

I’m representing myself. Where can I get help?

Need Help?

Get Legal Help

State Law Library