Lihue, HI asked in Adoption, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Hawaii

Q: For married co-plaintiffs, can he proceed pro se to represent himself while she hires an attorney to represent herself?

We are both suing the Hawaii Department of Human Services and some of its employees in federal court. He wants to give opening and closing statements and cross examinations but she wants an attorney to do it. We also both have differing litigation strategies. Can we have the best of both worlds and have him represent himself pro se and have an attorney represent her? We have done well and have already gotten far proceeding pro se. We are already on ECF 83.

1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered

A: I suggest you delete your case reference.

The individuals should both use an attorney, but if for some reason that is not possible, Federal Courts allow pro se appearances. You may, if applicable, want to fill out the forms to proceed in forma pauperis, which waives most fees.

1 user found this answer helpful

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