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Rule 88.09 – Parties Not Represented by Counsel

May 13, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Missouri

Every party not represented by counsel who participates in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, parentage or the modification of a judgment in any such proceeding shall:

(a) Complete a litigant awareness program that includes an explanation of the risks and responsibilities of self-representation, unless waived by the circuit court. The awareness program shall be prepared by a committee designated by this Court, but each circuit may determine the manner and means by which the training shall be provided and the proof of compliance; and
(b) Unless such use is waived by the trial court, use the pleadings, forms, and proposed judgment prepared by a committee designated by this Court that have been approved by this Court. These forms shall be accepted by the courts of this state, until disapproved or superseded by this Court.
(c) Nothing in this Rule 88.09 prevents a court from determining the legal sufficiency of any pleading nor prevents a court from entering judgment in a form different from the judgment form approved pursuant to Rule 88.09(b).

* The materials can be accessed at http://www.selfrepresent.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=5240 “Representing Yourself in Missouri Courts: Access to Family Courts.”

Mo. R. Civ. P. 88.09

Adopted Dec. 21, 2007, eff. July 1, 2008; Amended June 23, 2008, eff. July 1, 2008; Amended Dec. 23, 2008, eff. April 1, 2009.