Each day I receive letters/e-mails from Fathers nationwide. One of the topics frequently mentioned is that of attorney's and representing yourself in family court. Many have asked, "Do I need an attorney or can I represent myself?" Many also ask, "What if my EX has an attorney and I don't? "Will the Judge 'look down' on me IF I don't have an attorney?" 'What are my options if I don't have the money for an attorney? " Is there such a thing as Pro Bono (free) attorneys?" These are all valid questions that deserve an answer.

Before I begin let me first debunk a HUGE myth related to family law. In 27 years of Fathers rights advocacy I have NEVER met a single pro bono or free Fathers right attorney. Never! Truth is: Pro-bono attorneys don't exist in family law. I am aware of a few women's groups that provide free legal assistance to women in domestic violence cases but I am not aware of any such group that assist Fathers. I also know that the Department of Child Support Services in California and all other states offers free legal services to Mothers in child support cases but NOT to Fathers.  It has been my observation that Pro-bono attorney's are usually limited to criminal law and civil rights cases but definitely not family law. However, if you know of a free pro bono attorney that handles Fathers rights family law cases please forward me the contact information and I will be glad to post it for free on the website. Bottom line: if Fathers want help they will have to pay! 

The answer to the first question is: YES, Absolutely you can represent yourself BUT there is a VERY BIG "IF" attached to this question. You CAN be successful in family court representing yourself IF:

IF you know where to go; what to say; what to do; how to act.

IF you know what NOT to say and/or do.

IF you know what to file, when to file and where to file with the court.

IF all of your paperwork including pleadings, forms, affidavits, declarations, motions, petitions, exhibits and attachments have ALL been properly completed, filed and served.

IF you understand the court's rules and civil procedure.

In other words you CAN successfully represent yourself without an attorney BUT you will need legal help and navigation.

**(Be sure and read Free Report #2 "The Truth about Family Law and Attorney's)

Since I began offering Fathers Rights legal assistance 23 years ago I keep hearing the same recurring statements about family law attorneys.

• "I can NEVER get a hold of him and he NEVER calls me back"

• "He never responds to my messages"

• "It seems like my attorney isn't doing anything for me."

• "The only two times I saw my attorney is the day I paid him and the morning of court. It was like he hadn't even looked at my case file."

• "I learned more from the Fathers Rights Survival Guide than I EVER learned from my attorney."

• "My attorney charged me $3,000.00 and didn't do anything."

• "My attorney talked a great game in the beginning BUT after I paid him he didn't do ANYTHING he said he would do. My case turned out completely different that what he predicted."

• "I just don't have the money to continue with my attorney."

If you have ever had a family law attorney I am sure you strongly identify with these remarks.

Here is the GOOD NEWS for 2023:

California is a VERY "self help/user" friendly state. Wherefore a very high percentage of California family law cases are successfully resolved without an attorney. Furthermore, California has a number of low cost/no cost self help legal options available depending on the legal requirements of your case. These options all include document preparation, court filing and process service.

A word of caution: Although California is a very self help/user friendly state do not be mistaken. You cannot simply fill out a bunch of papers and file them with the court so that you can tell the Judge your side of the story. I'm afraid it isn't that easy and in fact, it is legally dangerous!

To be successful in family court requires case evaluation and analysis, legal knowledge and planning, strategy and guidance and most important; on-going legal navigation. It requires the formulation of a sound "legal game plan" and its proper execution. It requires simple legal knowledge of the California family code, case law and rules of court procedure. When everything you need to learn/know/say/do has been accomplished and a "legal game plan" developed, only then should you file documents with the court. (The California Advocate Plan can assist and direct you in acquiring accurate and precise document preparation, court filing and process services.)

I have practiced Fathers Rights Advocacy in California for 28 years and am very well acquainted with the California family code, case law and court procedures. Furthermore, I live, breath and sleep Fathers rights 24/7 wherefore I would love to help you accomplish your legal goals. So, If your tired of attorney's that don't call you back, aren't prepared, taken your money but have done nothing to help you; if you have exhausted your financial resources and can no longer afford an attorney then I would highly recommend that you purchase the California Advocate Plan. Let me analyze and evaluate your case; let me teach and guide you and together we will form a legal "game plan" designed to resolve your family law issues. In truth, The California Advocate Plan is truly the BEST legal assistance any father could ever receive!

To learn more about The California Advocate Plans and representing your self just click on the Advocate Plan banner below.