Want to represent myself in a civil case- owed $30K from a family member.

[calysto999]

WA- Does the WA (most likely King County) court system allow for someone to represent themselves in a civil case suing a family member for ~$30K?

 

[Zigner]

WA- Does the WA (most likely King County) court system allow for someone to represent themselves in a civil case suing a family member for ~$30K?

Yes...

A person who represents himself has a fool for a client.

 

[Proserpina]

WA- Does the WA (most likely King County) court system allow for someone to represent themselves in a civil case suing a family member for ~$30K?

Oh absolutely.

But you better make darn sure you know what you're doing - this is beyond small claims, obviously, and there is very little latitude given to pro se litigants once you get beyond that level.

 

[calysto999]

Oh absolutely.

But you better make darn sure you know what you're doing - this is beyond small claims, obviously, and there is very little latitude given to pro se litigants once you get beyond that level.

Appreciate the feedback. I am consulting w. an attorney this week, just in case....

 

[Proserpina]

Appreciate the feedback. I am consulting w. an attorney this week, just in case....

I think for $30k, that's your best option

Bear in mind that getting the judgment is one thing; collecting on it is another animal entirely.

Good luck!

 

[Willlyjo]

Yes...

A person who represents himself has a fool for a client.

You should give credit to the author of the statement you quoted.

 

[Zigner]

You should give credit to the author of the statement you quoted.

And who would that be? And, don't say Abraham Lincoln because it's a myth that he is the first to say it.

 

[Proserpina]

And who would that be? And, don't say Abraham Lincoln because it's a myth that he is the first to say it.

And yet another Willlyjo hijack.

Awesome.

No, really.

 

[Willlyjo]

And who would that be? And, don't say Abraham Lincoln because it's a myth that he is the first to say it.

I know AL wasn't the first to say it, but still, you are stealing someone else's quote by not acknowledging the quote isn't yours. Obviously, you are trying to take credit for it--sounds like plagiarism to me.

 

[Zigner]

I know AL wasn't the first to say it, but still, you are stealing someone else's quote by not acknowledging the quote isn't yours. Obviously, you are trying to take credit for it--sounds like plagiarism to me.

Ahh, more junk from Willy. Refreshing for the evening

 

[Paul84]

WA- Does the WA (most likely King County) court system allow for someone to represent themselves in a civil case suing a family member for ~$30K?

These days many courts have pro-se offices to help you with the process. If you hire a lawyer, you could easily rack up $30k in fees just for their drafting and filing documents for you. Unlike in Britain and some other jurisdictions where losing parties routinely must pay the legal fees of both sides, it's rare in the U.S. for a court to order that to happen. They'd generally do so only if the losing party's behavior, particularly toward the court, merited some large sanction.

Alternatively, one can choose the contingency route with legal firms of paying their fees only for a successful outcome. However, even if you won, you'd only likely recover a portion of the original claim because your lawyer(s) might insist upfront in taking a third of any judicial award or settlement as a contingency fee even to consider representing you (in which case s/he would forgo the hourly fees but still charge you for costs).

That's why these days more and more litigants are opting to act pro se. Good luck, but recognize that the process of handling your own case is time-consuming.

 

[latigo]

. . . . . . . . Unlike in Britain and some other jurisdictions where losing parties routinely must pay the legal fees of both sides, it's rare in the U.S. for a court to order that to happen. . . . . . .

That is an interesting observation of yours.

And I am speaking in particular of your comment that some jurisdictions “routinely order” a party litigant to pay for his or her professional services.

Apparently I chose to practice as a trial lawyer law in the wrong jurisdiction!

Just in case things get tight and I’m forced to come out of retirement, would you be kind enough to identify those jurisdictions?

Eliminating, of course those where it is only “rare” where the judge will order my client to pay my fee. “Routinely” sounds much more tempting. (Great Britain is out, however. I don’t happen to have webbed feet.)

Incidentally, are they are any particular TV Court shows to which you accredit your “legal expertise”?
Obviously the BBC must be included.

 

[LdiJ]

Posting history is really relevant on this one...