{"id":355856,"date":"2022-04-21T13:11:59","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T18:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/pro-bono-resource-center\/alternatives-to-pro-bono\/do-it-yourself-vs-pro-bono-representation.html"},"modified":"2022-08-19T11:54:13","modified_gmt":"2022-08-19T16:54:13","slug":"do-it-yourself-vs-pro-bono-representation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/pro-bono-resource-center\/alternatives-to-pro-bono\/do-it-yourself-vs-pro-bono-representation.html","title":{"rendered":"When You Can\u2019t Afford a Lawyer: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) vs. Low\u2011Cost Legal Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When You Can\u2019t Afford a Lawyer: Do-It-Yourself (DIY) vs. Low\u2011Cost Legal Help<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Steven Ellison, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Some people are comfortable handling small, low\u2011stakes legal matters themselves, like small claims disputes or traffic tickets. These legal processes are usually simple and the cost of hiring a lawyer may outweigh the benefit. But for anything complex, high\u2011value, or adversarial, it’s wise to consult an attorney. If you can’t afford to hire a lawyer, pursuing low-cost or free legal services may be your best option.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Some attorneys also offer “unbundled” legal services, meaning they’ll help you with one or a few of the issues facing you for less cost than obtaining full representation, and you handle the rest of the matter yourself.<\/p>\n

If your financial situation doesn’t allow for hiring an attorney in any capacity, you are left with a couple of options: do-it-yourself (DIY) or finding pro bono legal representation. This article explains when DIY can work and why more complex problems may still require professional help, even if it’s out of your budget. It also breaks down how pro bono services operate, who qualifies, and how to find organizations that may take your case at no cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Handling Your Own Legal Issue Ever a Good Idea?<\/h2>\n

You do not need to hire a lawyer to enter into contracts, represent yourself in court, and perform other legal actions. But going it alone can be risky. A do-it-yourself approach to a legal issue is best if you have a relatively straightforward legal task you want to accomplish that doesn’t have a lot of deadlines, steps to complete, or another party that’s opposing you. If you are in a legal fight DIY is difficult and should be avoided if possible. Also, keep in mind that you cannot represent anyone else in court, even a family member, or it is considered practicing law without a license.<\/p>\n

Circumstances when DIY might be a good option include:<\/p>\n