In response to the need for additional assistance for those in the family court division who are self-represented and unable to afford full legal representation, the Committee on Access to Family Courts launched a “Representing Yourself” website, www.selfrepresent.mo.gov.
Based on user responses, more than half the individuals have household incomes of less than $20,000 per year, while 20 percent have incomes of $30,000 or less. Approximately 75 percent support children with their household incomes.
The committee has found that the low income levels tend to correlate with lower levels of education. Based on user responses, a little more than a quarter have completed some college courses, about one-third have earned high school diplomas or GEDs, while 13 percent do not have a high school diploma.
About 60 percent of the users indicate they accessed the Internet at home, while 25 percent say they accessed the site from work or a public library.
The Representing Yourself website (www.selfrepresent.mo.gov) currently provides educational resources and forms for use in cases regarding dissolution of marriage; child custody; child support; name change; paternity; visitation; modifications of custody, support or visitation; enforcement of orders; and domestic violence orders of protection.
About two-thirds of the individuals using the site indicated they had not talked with a lawyer before deciding to represent themselves, while nearly a third of those assumed they could not afford an attorney.
“We think it is important that people consult an attorney before making any
decision about representing themselves,” committee co-chair Lori
Levine said. “Many lawyers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of these services.”