Self Representation

Pro Per

A "Pro Per" litigant is a person who represents himself/herself rather than hiring an attorney.


Standards

A person acting on his or her own behalf is, under the law, held to the same standards and duties as an attorney admitted to the practice of law in the State of Michigan. Such person is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish his or her purposes in accordance with the applicable statutes and court rules.


Judges and hearing officials cannot provide legal advice. Court employees are not lawyers. Do not ask them to provide legal advice. Consult the Michigan Court Rules and Michigan laws rather than asking advice from the court staff. Members of the court staff are allowed to provide procedural information only.


Seeking Advice

If you need advice, please contact an attorney.


If you do not have a lawyer and do not know a specific lawyer to contact, you can be referred to a lawyer through the State bar of Michigan.

State Bar of Michigan

306 Townsend Street

Lansing, MI 48933


Phone number for use within State of Michigan: 1-517-346-6338

Phone number for use outside State of Michigan: 800-968-0738


Self-Help Available

The State Bar of Michigan has an online legal self-help center that provides resources to the public.

https://michiganlegalhelp.org/


The State Court Administrative Office has self-help information at their website.

https://www.courts.michigan.gov/resources-for/the-public/self-represented-litigants/