Q: My abuser filed TRO against me. How do I defend myself in court without a lawyer?
I had filed a TRO against my abuser. It was granted but it was failed to be served to him. The abuser filed a TRO against me and his lawyer’s coworker sneakily served me the paperwork with my passport, birth certificate, etc. The abuser is saying I’ve lied about everything and am withholding our son from him. In the declaration he accused me of being the abuser. I’m representing myself. How do I defend myself?
A:
Defending yourself in court without a lawyer can be challenging, but it's possible with careful preparation. Start by gathering all evidence that supports your case, such as text messages, emails, and any other documentation that proves your side of the story. Organize this evidence in a clear and logical way, so you can present it effectively in court.
Next, prepare your statement for the judge, focusing on the facts of the situation. Be calm, clear, and concise, and avoid getting emotional or confrontational. Emphasize your concerns for your safety and your child's well-being, and explain why the TRO you filed was necessary.
During the hearing, listen carefully to what the other party says and take notes if needed. When it's your turn to speak, address the judge directly, respond to any allegations with evidence, and stay focused on the main issues. This approach can help you present a strong defense and protect your rights.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
