Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Representing Self

I am in the middle of a lawsuit and disagree with the other defendants, the lack of communication, and course of action. What are my options? I no longer want to use the same attorney. Money is also an issue. Can I represent myself and what does that entail? What are the ramifications of this?


Asked on 12/21/08, 9:23 pm

12 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

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Answered on 12/22/08, 1:14 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:15 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:15 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Representing Self

Yes, with the permission of the court you could represent yourself as a co-defendant in the pending matter, but if you have to ask what that would entail and what are the ramifications, it's very likely a very bad idea.

Read more
Answered on 12/22/08, 1:22 am
Jonathon Moseley Moseley & Associates Law Firm

Re: Representing Self

If one lawyer represents several co-defendants (or other parties), this can be a very difficult situation. An attorney in that situation must be very, very careful, because if there are conflicts between the co-defendants the attorney cannot continue to represent all of the co-defendants. So, if your attorney is aware that there are conflicts between you and the other co-defendants (legally SIGNIFICANT conflicts, not just inter-personal issues), the attorney must withdraw from representing some or all of the co-defendants.

Of course you can represent yourself. You have a fundamental right to represent yourself, always. On the one hand, the judge will be somewhat understanding that you do not have an atorney, although you still have to follow the rules like an attorney.

You also have the right to obtain some assistance as you represent yourself. I have often given advice to people representing themselves. That is, you can pay for an attorney for a few hours to understand what is going on in the case and what your options are, and then you can use this information to represent yourself. Some attorneys are not as expensive as you may fear.

While you would be better off represented by an attorney completely, if all you can afford is a few hours of advice to prepare you, that is better than being unprepared.

It is impossible to say what the ramifications will be without knowing more about the case.

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Answered on 12/22/08, 9:40 am


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