Do I Need A Lawyer?

Perhaps one of the most important functions of the Magistrate Court is to provide a readily available legal forum to resolve disputes. It is not necessary to have an attorney to file a suit or defend a suit in this court. As a matter of fact, the Court is designed to help non-lawyers with the various steps in handling their own cases.

This is not to say that lawyers are not welcomed and even encouraged, but there are many occasions when the amounts of money in controversy do not warrant engaging an attorney. Always remember that the Magistrate Court Judge is obligated by law to conduct the Court in a way that is fair to non-lawyers as well as to lawyers. The procedural rules of law are not as strictly enforced in the Magistrate Court as in other courts. The Magistrate Judge will apply rules of pleading and practice so as to administer substantial justice.