Questions People Actually Ask
What the program is, what it costs, and what you'll actually get out of an hour on a Friday night.
Representing yourself in court is called going "pro se." It's legal, it's common, and the court has to let you do it. What the court doesn't have to do is make it easy. You'll likely be held to the same rules, same deadlines, and same standards as a licensed attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pro se" mean?
Representing yourself in court is called going “pro se.” It’s legal, it’s common — between 12 and 23 percent of Missouri domestic cases are filed that way — and the court has to let you do it. What the court doesn’t have to do is make it easy.
Will I receive legal advice from Self Rep U?
No. Self Rep U provides general legal information and education, but does not offer personalized legal advice.
Can I discuss my specific case with Self Rep U?
No. Self Rep U will not take questions about the facts of your specific case. We will take questions about court procedures and general legal information. If you ask us a question that is out of scope, we will let you know.
Is Self Rep U associated with any law firm?
No. Self Rep U is an independent educational program and is not affiliated with any law firm.
Is Self Rep U a court service?
No. Self Rep U is not connected with the Missouri courts, any bar association, or any other legal organization. We are a privately held independent educational program.
Does Self Rep U replace the need for an attorney?
No. In most cases, representing yourself is a bad idea. Our guess is you already know that. Self Rep U will not offer personalized legal advice. Self Rep U does not replace the need to consult a qualified attorney regarding any specific legal matter.
How long is each class?
Our goal is to have you in and out in 1 hour. We know your time is valuable, and we are not going to waste your Friday night. We offer real information, in plain English, in 1 hour.
Is this legal education?
Your goal is not to become a lawyer. You want to be an informed participant in the legal process with enough skill to tell your story without getting derailed by procedure, legal jargon, or objections. Your goal should be to avoid major mistakes, missed deadlines, and saying the wrong thing. Self Rep U is designed to help you do that. We know protecting your relationship with your children and financial stability is your top priority.
Is this the same as the Litigant Awareness Program required by the court?
No. If you are representing yourself, you will still be required to take the Litigant Awareness Program. Self Rep U is a separate educational program that is not affiliated with the Missouri courts or any other legal organization. It is designed to fill the gap between the Litigant Awareness Program and the courtroom, giving you practical information to help you navigate the legal system with confidence.
What question did I forget to ask?
Your goal is not to be a lawyer, but to be an informed participant in the legal process well enough to tell your story without getting derailed by procedure, legal jargon, or objections. Your goal should be to avoid major mistakes, missed deadlines, and saying the wrong thing. Self Rep U is designed to help you do that. We know protecitng your relationship with your children and financial stability is your top priority.