Representing Yourself in Court

You can choose to represent yourself in court. People who represent themselves in court are called "Pro Se" or "Self-Represented" litigants.

Think carefully before deciding to represent yourself: the process takes time and patience, and can be confusing. You will be expected to know and follow the same rules that attorneys do. Consider alternatives to litigation before starting your case in court.

The court provides some resources, but court staff cannot give you legal advice. You will have to figure out most things on your own. Review and advice from an attorney is highly recommended.

Pointers for Representing Yourself in Court

PDF version of PowerPoint slides created by students at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can court staff give me legal advice?

Court staff can provide legal information which includes general information about court rules, court procedures and practices, court schedules, public case information, and referrals to helpful resources.

Court staff cannot give legal advice, which includes advising you whether you should file a case, if you're likely to win, how you should word the documents you file, what you should say in court, and which course of action is better for you. Legal advice also includes researching the law for you, or recommending a particular attorney.

Where can I find information on the court process to help prepare my case?

The Outline of Criminal and Civil Court Procedure explains basic court procedures in criminal and civil cases. Because the information on this page is general, the procedures described may not apply to every case.

The Utah Court Rules explain the procedure in court cases, including deadlines for filing documents and how documents must be formatted. Be sure to read and follow these rules carefully. You can find the current Rules in print at Utah's law libraries and at some public libraries.

Where can I find online court forms?

Legal forms provide sample language you may use for documents to file with the court. Some forms are fill-in-the-blank, while others only provide language that you adapt to your situation.

Forms are not available for every situation, and you should consider consulting an attorney to help you.

If you have a divorce, landlord-tenant, guardianship, or stalking or protective order matter, use the Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP). This online program helps you generate paperwork to file with the court.

Court forms for small claims, child support, custody evaluation, garnishment, name change, and other matters are available on the Court Forms page.

General form books are available at Utah's law libraries.

How much does it cost to file a case?

A list of filing fees for civil cases, small claims cases, counterclaims, expungements and more is available on the court's website.

Can I talk to the judge or commissioner about my case?

You can speak to the judge or commissioner about your case if the other side is present. One-sided or ex parte communication is not allowed - except in very limited situations - because it can be unfair. All parties in the case have the right to be heard whenever any party is presenting information to the judge or commissioner.

What other options are available besides self-representation?

See the court's Finding Legal Help page for information about alternatives to representing yourself in court, including mediation or arbitration, and attorneys.

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Page Last Modified: 1/21/2009