If I go pro se in civil court does it matter a lot about the wording of paperwork and how I speak?
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If I go pro se in civil court does it matter a lot about the wording of paperwork and how I speak?
I have a pretty good idea of my affirmative defenses and why but I do not exactly how the process of everything goes.
Asked on September 8, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Hawaii
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Generally speaking, courts give a lot of leeway to pro se litigants and understand that they may not know the best way to present themselves in court. I would, though, do some research on the affirmative defenses. You are aware that they must be "raised or waived" in most states and that means in the answer to the complaint. See if there are any legal clinics to help you with the answer (like in a law school). Good luck.
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