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Can I Be My Own Lawyer?
by: Developed from materials provided by the Wyoming State Bar
Q.	Am I allowed to be my own lawyer? Can I do my own legal work?

A.	This is a tough question. There is a saying that "a client that has themselves for a lawyer is a fool." This may seem harsh but it is something to think about. Most of the time, it is not wise to handle your own legal problems. You should know that the law is not easy to understand. Also, it can be hard to stay calm. In order to solve your problem, you must be able to talk and think about it without getting mad and upset. Keep in mind that just because something hurts you, does not mean that it is against the law. Sometimes the law does not care about the things we care most about. A good example is the case of divorce: In many Wyoming courts, you will not get more money for being the good one in the marriage. This is true even if your spouse cheated on you or abused you. If you spend a lot of time talking about how bad your spouse was, it may not help you win your case. It may also make the judge angry.

Q.	If I can be my own lawyer, why should I talk to a lawyer?

A.	The law is not always clear. Just because something seems like it should be against the law, does not mean that it is. A lawyer is trained to understand the law. A lawyer is trained to understand the courts and legal system. A lawyer may help you solve your problem without going to court. The bottom line is, a good lawyer can give you a lot of help.

Q.	If I am going to be my own lawyer, what do I need to know?

A.	Keep in mind that you must know the law. You will also need to understand court rules like rules of evidence and civil procedure. You can find these rules in most law libraries. You can also find them on-line.

Q.	Anything else I need to know?

A.	Keep in mind that judges and courts cannot give you legal advice. If you decide to be your own lawyer, they will not be able to help you.


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	Last Reviewed On: 11/15/04

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