Pro se (pro-say) means to argue on one’s own behalf in a court or other legal proceeding—also referred to as representing yourself in court or self-representation. A person can appear pro se in a civil or criminal case, but only a licensed lawyer can appear in court on behalf of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other legal entity.

Parties often represent themselves (without a lawyer) in divorce proceedings and in actions seeking to modify child custody, child support, and spousal support. Because of the sometimes complex and procedure-oriented nature of these legal proceedings, persons considering representing themselves should consider hiring a lawyer on a limited-representation basis if possible to avoid losing important personal and property rights.

In Indiana, as in other states, individuals have the right to represent themselves in court, a practice known as 'pro se' representation. This applies to both civil and criminal cases. However, when it comes to legal entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or other types of organizations, they must be represented by a licensed attorney and cannot appear pro se. Self-representation is particularly common in family law matters, including divorce, child custody modifications, child support, and spousal support. While the law allows for pro se representation, the process can be intricate and governed by specific procedures that may be challenging for laypersons to navigate. Consequently, individuals considering pro se representation are often advised to at least seek limited legal assistance to ensure they do not inadvertently forfeit critical rights related to personal matters or property.