Quiz #3: Am I Likely to be Successful Without a Lawyer?
(A Quiz about your skills and traits to help you decide)

 

Choose "yes" or "no" (there are no "right" or "wrong" answers).  Then click the "Results" button to total your points.  Find out whether you may have trouble handling your own case (and what to do about it).

1. Can you stick to deadlines (no matter what)? Will you be on time?

Yes - 1 point -The court will expect nothing less.  The court will not be concerned if you have child care problems or car trouble.
No - 0 points -You will need to be careful. Set up a "tickle system" by putting reminders on a calendar you look at daily. If you are on the web, use one the many free web-based electronic calendars such as the one found on Yahoo.com. You can set up periodic e-mail reminders about deadlines. If you do not meet a deadline, you may lose your chance to have your case heard by the court.

2. Are you looking to “get even”?

Yes - 0 points - Handling a legal case on a limited budget is not a good opportunity to get even. It can turn a relatively simple procedure into an expensive, lengthy process. It can be difficult to represent yourself if you are deeply emotionally involved. You are likely to find yourself making poor legal decisions.
No - 1 Point

 3. Can you find the time to get to the courthouse during the day? 

   Yes - 1 point- A flexible schedule will help to make the process easier.
No - 0 points - You do not need to go often but you will need to arrange to take time off work on a few occasions to go to court or develop your case. For example, you may need several hours in the middle of the day to pick up a subpoena. 

 4. Do you have a close relationship (family / friends) with the person on the other side? 

   Yes – 0 points - It will be difficult to work out agreements and to make service. You will find that the process is stressful. If some topics will be trigger points for arguments you will find it better to have someone represent you who is more neutral and can make better decisions. Representing yourself may be more stress than you need during an already difficult time.
No - 1 point - A balanced approach to the inevitable difficulties will serve you well.

5. If this is a domestic violence situation? 

   Yes - you lose 1 point - This is likely to make it much harder to represent yourself well. An attorney is not a therapist (and it is very expensive to use your attorney’s time that way), however s/he can provide a buffer between you and your abuser. S/he will have the emotional distance necessary to help make good strategic decisions on your case. In addition, there are certain measures that an attorney can take to ensure your safety.
Does not apply - 0 points

6. Are you organized?  Do you pay attention to detail?

  

No - 0 points - The work of selecting, completing, and filing legal forms and tracking them can be substantial. Your chances of success will be lower unless you are able to acquire some of these skills.
Yes - 1point - These traits will help you complete your case successfully. 

7. Are you comfortable using a library or legal information websites?

  

No - 0 points - You will need to spend some time learning about the law and court procedures and rules.  You may need to research whether your case can be handled by the court and how to present your case.  If you do not feel comfortable doing this type of research, it will hurt your chances of success.
Yes - 1point - Great, take the time to use the rest of these materials to help you guide your research.. 

8. Are you able to “read” other’s reactions and modify your actions?

   No - 0 points - If you find yourself arguing over "nothing" or are surprised when "people take it wrong", it may be harder to represent yourself.
Yes - 1 point- It will help you to respond to questions and to explain your case if other people's reactions to your statements are fairly obvious to you.

9. Are you comfortable speaking in public?

    Yes - 1point - You will need to feel comfortable answering questions and "thinking on your feet" because you will have to tell your story to the judge and other people will be present,
No - 0 points - You will not only need to speak to the judge, but s/he is likely to ask questions.  There may be an attorney for the other side and s/he will also ask you questions.  You will need to be able to keep focused on your case and remain calm. Also see 10 Tips for Courtroom Serenity.

10. Can you make decisions and stick with them? 

   Yes - 1 point
No - 0 points -  Once you make a claim, it is difficult to make changes. A legal case is a formal proceeding. Any questions about the facts should be resolved before filing.

11. Can you live with some mistakes? 

  Yes - 1point - This is good because you will make some. Hopefully they will be minor. 
No - 0 points - This may pose a problem. As a non-attorney, the law is not an area that you are likely to be able to make "perfect" decisions each time. Regretting certain decisions or trying to revisit them will add complexities to your case. And this may undermine your ability to successfully pursue your case yourself.
  

    

My Points:

If your results are:

9 points or more:  You are a good candidate for handling your own case!
6-8 points:  This may be a strain for you. Consider hiring an Attorney Advisor or using a legal hotline. You may also look for a friend willing to act as a coach.
5 points or fewer: Strongly consider hiring an attorney.  If you cannot afford an attorney to represent you for the entire case, see if one will act as a coach/adviser.

 

Before you go ahead…

 

Note: If you want to see the result if you change your answers, you can  jump directly back  from the question to the Results button. 

Source: The Maryland Legal Assistance Network.  Updated 2007 through a special project of the Eastern Shore Regional Library under a Library Services Technology Act grant from the Division of Library Development Services/MD State Department of Education.  Updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

Last date reviewed (No legal content) 7/2/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)