Do I Really Need a Lawyer? What to Know before You Represent Yourself in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court

When a parent has a case in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, it can be a confusing, stressful and embarrassing experience. Facing court is a daunting matter for parents who are balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities.  With so much at stake from your relationship with your child to your financial future, you deserve an advocate who understands both the legal complexities and the value of your time and resources. Having guided clients through the process, I fully understand that the legal and emotional stakes are high.

Even small mistakes in court can lead to expensive outcomes including inaccurate child support calculations and unfavorable custody arrangements.  Your time is valuable.  Navigating court procedures, the rules of evidence and negotiating with attorneys without expert help can be overwhelming, time-consuming and ineffective.

For various reasons, some people choose to represent themselves in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court.  There are self-help options available including fill-in-the-blank forms, intake specialists to answer questions, and referrals for co-parenting classes.  But once the case is filed, parents are on their own and must figure things out or hire an attorney to help them.  If you are planning to represent yourself in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, here are some things you should consider:

1.      The judge will hold you to the same standards that he or she holds an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Virginia.  For instance, if you want the judge to review a particular document, you must follow the rules of evidence and the rules of procedure to have the document admitted into evidence.

2.      You may need to obtain records such as your former partner’s paystubs and W2s as well as call out or arrest records involving the former partner.  It is your responsibility to obtain these records and know the rules to get them admitted into evidence.

3.      If custody and visitation are involved, the judge will probably appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the children involved.  The GAL is usually a family law attorney who practices in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court.

4.      The GAL will be representing your children and will not be advocating for you.

5.      If your former partner hires an attorney, that attorney won’t necessarily deal honestly and fairly with you.

6.      If you are representing yourself in a child support matter, and there are allegations that you are behind on your payments, the judge can sentence you to jail time for contempt.

7.      If you disagree with the judge’s ruling, you usually have the right to appeal your case to the Circuit Court, but you must submit the correct form, pay a filing fee, and meet strict deadlines.

I have successfully guided clients through the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court process ensuring that their voices are heard and that their interests are protected. My approach is strategic and compassionate.  I strive to make the process as transparent and as low stress as possible.  I do the heavy lifting.

When I represent clients in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, I take the following steps:

1.      I ensure that important documents are admitted into evidence and that improperly offered documents are excluded from the judge’s consideration.

2.      Using subpoenas, FOIA requests and other tools, I obtain important records and get them admitted into evidence on my client’s behalf.

3.      I guide my clients in their communications with the GAL.  Sometimes, I gently but firmly encourage GALs to conduct home visits with my clients, consider my client’s perspective and deal honestly and fairly with my clients.

4.      Although the GAL is appointed to represent the child, if I feel that the GAL has taken the other parent’s side, I speak with the GAL and convene conferences to make sure my clients are seen and heard.

5.      I ensure that my clients are zealously represented before the judge, and I level the playing field when the other party has an attorney.

6.      If my client has a child support arrearage, I work with the client to ensure that the arrearage is accurate.  If it is, I work with the client to resume regular payments and to get a reduction in child support if it is warranted.

7.      If my client is not satisfied with a ruling in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, I notify the client of his or her right to appeal and handle the appeal to Circuit Court if the client chooses that course of action.

When you represent yourself, the consequences can be devastating. Small mistakes in evidence or court procedures, or missing important deadlines, can lead to unfair results in custody or support—and the stress and uncertainty of navigating the legal system alone can be overwhelming. Investing in experienced legal guidance now can help you avoid costly errors and help you safeguard your children’s well-being and your financial future.

Don’t jeopardize your children’s future or your financial well-being by going it alone. Invest in experienced, compassionate legal guidance that’s tailored to the needs of working parents. Contact me today for a confidential consultation and discover how I can help you protect what matters most.