Representing Yourself

Representing Yourself

This section of the website is designed to provide you with legal information about specific legal issues you may be facing. If you must go to court, you may decide to represent yourself instead of having a lawyer. The courts call the process of representing yourself pro se. You should understand that when you come to court without a lawyer you take a risk. The court cannot act for you. Sometimes even simple matters can have legal consequences that you are not aware of or do not understand. You do not have to have a lawyer handle your legal problem, but if possible, it is best to at least get some advice about your case from a lawyer

The Alabama Access to Justice Commission website provides general legal information only. It does not provide legal advice. You should contact a lawyer if you need legal advice. The information on this website is not guaranteed to be correct, and changes are periodically added to the information.

Click on a topic at the left to find documents, forms, and other information to help you represent yourself.

    • Family
    • Housing
    • Consumer
      • Debt Collection »
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Get Ready for CourtGet Ready for Court
          This document will give you information about what to expect when you are going to court.
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Being Sued on a Credit Card or Other DebtBeing Sued on a Credit Card or Other Debt
          This document will help you understand what to do if someone is suing you over a debt.
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>National Consumer Law CenterNational Consumer Law Center
          Browse the National Consumer Law Center's brochures on debt collection and other problems with money.
        • Forms You May Need:Forms You May Need:
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Answer to Complaint PS-19Answer to Complaint - Form PS-19
          Use this form to respond to the Complaint you receive when you are being sued.  Be sure to read all instructions on the Complaint and on this form.
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Request to Continue Trial PS-18Request to Continue Trial - Form PS-18
          Use this form to ask the court for more time before trial. Be sure to read all instructions on this form.
      • Garnishment »
      • Small Claims »
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Video
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Get Ready for CourtGet Ready for Court
          This document will give you information about what to expect when you are going to court.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Being Sued in Small Claims CourtBeing Sued in Small Claims Court in Alabama
          This document will give you information about what to do if you are being sued in small claims court.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Suing in Small Claims CourtSuing in Small Claims Court in Alabama
          This document gives information about what to do if you need to sue someone in small claims court.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Forms You May NeedForms You May Need:
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Answer to Complaint PS-19Answer to Complaint - Form PS-19
          Use this form to respond to the Complaint you received saying you were being sued.  Be sure to read all instructions on this form and follow the deadlines.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Defendant's Answer-SM-3Defendant's Answer - Form SM-3
          Use this form or Answer to Complaint Form PS-19 to respond to the Complaint you received saying you were being sued.  Be sure to read the instructions at the end of the form and follow the deadlines.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Defendant's Counterclaim-SM-6Defendant's Counterclaim - Form SM-6
          Use this form to file a counterclaim against the person suing you.  Be sure to read the instructions at the end of the form and follow the deadlines.  
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Subpoena Request-Form C-12Subpoena Request - Form C-12
          Use this form if you need the clerk to order a witness to come to court.  For more information about bringing a witness to court see Being Sued in Small Claims Court in Alabama.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Affidavit of Substantial Hardship-C-10AAffidavit of Substantial Hardship - Form C-10A
          Use this form if you cannot pay the filing fees required to file your forms.  The judge will decide if the fees can be postponed.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Statement of Claim-Specific Property-SM-2Statement of Claim (Complaint) for Specific Property - Form SM-2
          Use this form if you need to sue someone for specific property in small claims court.  Be sure to read the instructions at the end of the form.
        • Consumer>Small Claims>Statement of Claim-General-SM-1Statement of Claim (Complaint) - General - Form SM-1
          Use this form if you need to sue someone in small claims court.  Be sure to read all instructions at the end of the form.
        • Consumer>Debt Collection>Request to Continue Trial PS-18Request to Continue Trial - Form PS-18
          Use this form to ask the court for more time before trial. Be sure to read all instructions on this form.
      • Bankruptcy »
        • Consumer>Bankruptcy>Bankruptcy-ASB BrochureBankruptcy - Alabama State Bar Brochure
          This brochure by the Alabama State Bar gives information on bankruptcy and the things you should consider before filing for bankruptcy.