For the most part, somebody who has a very low income can try to contact their local legal aid association and they might get some help. But otherwise, it’s up to people to hire their own attorney or go in alone. It can be tricky for people to represent themselves because, by law, the courts are not allowed to give legal advice.
For example, many people feel like if they can just get in front of the judge and explain their situation to the judge. The judge will tell them what to do or the judge will help them out. Or, somebody will show them how to fill out the paperwork. It’s against the law for a judge to give that kind of advice.
