If you're considering suing someone in court for a civil matter, or if you're being sued for a civil matter, you aren't eligible for court-appointed legal help. That's why it's tempting for so many involved in civil suits to just represent themselves. However, spending the money to hire a lawyer for a civil suit is a much better choice. Having professional legal representation makes getting through a court case so much easier.
The Courts Do Pay Attention to Procedure
Courts don't take unfamiliarity with procedures into account when evaluating cases. If you forget to do something or don't do something properly, the court isn't going to take pity on you. They might give you a chance to correct it if it doesn't delay your case that much, but the judge might also just dismiss your case or rule against you. You can avoid that mess by hiring a good lawyer.
It's More Cost-Effective in the End
If you represent yourself, you're not getting paid for the time you spend preparing your case. If you have a lawyer represent you, the lawyer and their staff will do most of the preparation, leaving your time to yourself. If you're worried about being able to afford the lawyer, remember that some work on a pro bono basis, while others can work out payment plans. No matter how you're going to pay the lawyer, you'll be able to work or attend school as you usually would.
Sometimes the Details You Forget About Are the Key to the Case
If you're trying to represent yourself and draw up all the paperwork yourself, you might forget to write something down that could win your case. The details of what happened to make you need to sue someone in civil court are so familiar to you that you might forget that the court doesn't know all these details. Plus, some things that seem unimportant to you could be the key to winning your case. When you have a lawyer represent you, the lawyer will more than likely be able to draw out all these details from you that would otherwise remain in your head.
Speak with lawyers about how they'd approach your case and what they can do in terms of payment plans – or pro bono if needed. Try your best to have a lawyer help you in court – you're just making things harder on yourself if you represent your own case.
For more information, contact a civil law attorney in your area.