05/23/2018

Litigation is Not a DYI Project

It is alarming when non-lawyers try to play lawyer. I see it fairly often and I never see it done with success. I get it, lawyers are not trusted and are not perfect—but those facts do not mean litigation can be done properly by a non-lawyer.

Even small things like case scheduling vary from county to county. In Chisago County, there is a centralized scheduling process. In Hennepin County, more scheduling is done through the judge's clerks. Knowing how to even schedule a hearing is taken for granted, but this sort of unnecessary difficulty creates aggravation, anxiety, and detracts from focusing on the merits.

Another case came down recently with a homeowner attempting to litigate against a roofer on a home in Anoka County. The roofer brought a summary judgment motion. The homeowners, representing themselves, attempted to submit papers for the hearing but did so incorrectly and late. The result: Judgment for the roofer.

Do not make the mistake of litigating without a lawyer. A good lawyer will cost money, but at least you have a better chance of minimizing your loss, potentially even winning, and for sure you will avoid losing due to a procedural error.

The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor is it a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney. Each situation is unique, and you should not act or rely on any information contained herein without seeking the advice of an experienced attorney. All information contained in links are the property of the linked site.

Related Posts