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If you are going to court, you may be represented by a lawyer, but it is not required. Around half of individuals who go to court in BC do not have a lawyer. They represent themselves. The term “Self-Represented Litigant” describes people who go to court without a lawyer.
We suggest that everyone meet with a lawyer at least once. Self-representing litigants would find it useful consult with a lawyer to gain expert guidance on how to proceed with their case.
Starting a court process does not mean that you will end up going to trial. Most cases will settle before they reach trial. All complex negotiations involve some give and take by both parties. Keep an open mind and consider options for coming to an agreement.
If you’re able to settle out of court, you’ll save time and money. Plus, you will avoid a great deal of stress. Going to court will help to resolve the differences between you and the other side. But it’s a tool that should be used as a last resort.
Here’s what to expect when going to court:
Before you start filing court forms and going to court, you need to figure out what your case is about. To do this, you’ll need to learn a few basic legal skills. You need to know how to conduct legal research and how to organize your evidence. You need to understand parts of the law and how the law applies to the facts of your case.
IMPORTANT: This page provides legal information, not legal advice. If you need legal advice consult a lawyer.
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