Representing Yourself
Representing yourself in court — “pro se,” Latin for “for yourself” — is legal and common, especially in family law. Pro se litigants have the same rights as anyone else, but they’re also expected to follow the same courtroom rules and procedures as an attorney.
This section covers what to expect: courtroom procedure and etiquette, how testimony and evidence work, key legal terms, and practical tips for preparing your case — whether you’re representing yourself entirely or just want to be a more informed, effective participant in your own case.
Pro-Se Checklist
Procedural rules every self-represented litigant needs to know before going to court.
Read more →Trial Preparation
What to do — and avoid — before, during, and after a divorce or custody trial.
Read more →Mediation
How mediation works in a Texas family-law case, and how to get the most out of it.
Read more →Fraud & Fraud On The Spouse
What to do if your spouse forged your name on a credit or loan application.
Read more →Factors To Be Considered
What Texas courts generally weigh when deciding custody, and how to build a strong, honest case.
Read more →How To Win
Grounded, practical principles for approaching a family-law case, self-represented or not.
Read more →Personal Appearance
How to present yourself in family court — dress, posture, and demeanor that reads as respectful and prepared.
Read more →Key Words & Phrases
Plain-English definitions of common courtroom terms you'll hear in a family-law case.
Read more →Your Day In Court
What actually happens on your court date, from arrival to closing arguments.
Read more →Do’s & Don’ts
A concise do's-and-don'ts guide for how to conduct yourself in the courtroom.
Read more →Direct Examination
How direct examination works, and how to prepare if you or your witnesses will testify.
Read more →Cross Examination
The basics of how cross-examination works, and why expert-witness cases usually call for an attorney.
Read more →Custody Overview
How Texas conservatorship (custody) law works, by attorney Rita Boyd.
Read more →Witness / Client Deposition
Practical do's and don'ts if you're being deposed in a family-law case.
Read more →When To Consult With An Attorney
Why the best time to talk to a lawyer is before a crisis, and how to find the right one.
Read more →What To Wear To Court
What to wear and how to conduct yourself when appearing in family court.
Read more →Top 10 Divorce List
A light-hearted (but genuinely useful) list of things never to say in a divorce case.
Read more →Social Networking
Why what you post online can end up as evidence in your family-law case, and how to protect yourself.
Read more →