Is Self-Representation a Reasonable Alternative to Attorney Representation in Divorce Cases
![handle is hein.journals/stlulj37 and id is 563 raw text is: IS SELF-REPRESENTATION A REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE
TO ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION IN DIVORCE CASES?
BRUCE D. SALES-
CONNIE J. BECK*
RICHARD K. HAAN
I. INTRODUCTION
Since the law permits self-representation and legal changes are
facilitating its use, it is critical to assess whether and under what condi-
tions self-representation is a reasonable alternative to attorney representa-
tion. More specifically, there is a need to ascertain which individuals
select self-representation, why, what outcomes they achieve, how satis-
fied they are with their experiences in handling their divorces, and how
they differ on these dimensions from attorney-represented litigants.
These concerns are particularly timely because the legal needs of
the poor and middle classes are not being met under the current system.
A 1989 American Bar Association study found that government funded
* This article is a revised version of a report published by the American Bar
Association. Bruce D. Sales et al., Seif-Representation in Divorce Cases, 1993 A.B.A.
STANDING COM. ON THE DELIVERY OF LEGAL SERV. REP. The authors wish to thank
The American Bar Association Special Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services
(Lotnie Powers [Chair], Kendell Coffey, Sarah-Ann Determan [Chair-Elect], J. Chrys
Dougherty [past member], Nancy Gist, Lowell K. Halverson, John Kramer, Michael
K. Lewis, Forrest S. Mosten, Fred S. Richards [past member], Gerry Singsen, Hilarie
F. Bass [Board of Governors Liaison], William E. Hornsby [Staff Counsel]), and our
Advisory Committee (red Warner [Chair], Lois Kermot, Joseph Richter, Judge
Michael Wilkinson), for their helpful advice and support of the research contained
herein. In addition, we also wish to acknowledge the generous advice and assistance
from several members of the Maricopa County Court system: Judge Stephen A. Gerst
[Past Presiding Judge, Domestic Relations Division], Kim V. Kelly (Judicial
Administrator], Alison Doisy Vines [Systems Analyst], Pete Roman [File Room
Supervisor], and the staff of Judge Michael 0. Wilkinson's office.
** Professor of Psychology, Psychiatry, Sociology, and Law, and Director of
the Psychology, Policy and Law Program at the University of Arizona. B. A., Uni-
versity of Rochester, 1966; Ph.D., University of Rochester, 1971; J.D., Northwestern
University, 1973.
*** B.S., Portland State University, 1983; B.S., University of Oregon, 1989;
Doctoral Student in Psychology, University of Arizona.'
**** B.A., Northwestern College, 1987; Doctoral Student in Psychology, Uni-
versity of Arizona.](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/stlulj37&div=33&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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Is Self-Representation a Reasonable Alternative to Attorney Representation in Divorce Cases
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