Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

This is going to sound like a dumb question, oh well!

In prepare to represent myself without an attorney, when I write out my facts or give an account to events, etc, do I refer to myself as a third person?

Do I say "the petitioner blah, blah, blah..."

"Miss [state my name] blah, blah, blah..."

or

"I" "me" "myself" blah, blah, blah"

Don't worry I'll leave out the blah, blah's and at least I did not use yadda yadda yadda!

It a civil preceding in superior court and a petition I have no business attempting as I am not an attorney; I just hope I follow enough of the rules correctly in order for the judge to see I had no options, but needed the court's assistance in correcting a wrong done to me.

Thanks in advance!


Asked on 2/27/12, 9:38 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

There's no right way. Pro per is difficult and you have to be really good to pull it off, especially if you're not in small claims court. If you don't mind my asking, what's your case about, and why did you decide to represent yourself?

Read more
Answered on 2/27/12, 10:47 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

To answer your question, complaints and pleadings are drafted in the third person, not the first person. I'm not aware of a rule requiring the third person, but they always are, unless they are written by pro pers.

Read more
Answered on 2/28/12, 8:51 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in California