It is really tough when you don't have an attorney

I see and hear it all of the time. If you go into court without your own attorney and the other party has an attorney - you may be in for an eye opening experience.

There are very complex rules governing what you can say, and when you can say it. Attorneys know all these rules. You don't.

But the biggest thing to overcome is the judge's familiarity with the attorney and the fact that the judge does not know you. Sometimes this can be a HUGE disadvantage. Sometimes, you may walk out of court feeling like you were not allowed to say anything to support your case.

If you have been watching a lot of Judge Judy on TV, get it out of your head. Things are different in a real court.