Why Do People Choose to Represent Themselves Pro Se?

The reasons that people offer for representing themselves in legal matters are as many as they are varied:

• Lawyers are too expensive

• Many feel that lawyers do not deliver quality services, fail to return telephone calls, and treat their clients in an unfriendly or unprofessional manner

• For many, their cases or situations are simple enough to handle themselves or involve simple legal document preparation and filing

• People know their own situation best and believe that they are in the best position to address any issues that may face

• People want to be in control of their own lives, circumstances and situations