Going Pro Se: Why Parents Represent Themselves in Family Court

Описание: In this episode, Dr. Evelyn sits down with author and podcast host Maryann Petri to discuss the rising phenomenon of going Pro Se in family court—representing yourself without an attorney. Together they break down why so many parents, especially domestic violence survivors, end up navigating the legal system alone and what they discover once they step inside the courtroom.

This conversation explores the emotional, psychological, and systemic realities of family court: how cases get shaped, why the system often feels predetermined, who becomes the “target parent,” and why the courtroom experience rarely resembles the justice we imagine. Mary Ann and Dr. Evelyn share personal insight into how they survived the process, how they maintained their sanity, and how they fought for their children when there was no one left to speak for them.

This episode is part of a continuing educational series on how to go Pro Se—what to expect, what to prepare for, and how to advocate for yourself effectively inside a system that does not always prioritize truth or protection. The next installment will focus on the practical side of representing yourself and the strategies parents use to survive family court.

If you or someone you know is currently navigating family court, you are not alone—this conversation offers validation, education, and hope for those who have been silenced or dismissed inside the legal system.

#ProSe #FamilyCourt #SelfRepresentation #CustodyBattle #ParentalRights #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #LegalAbuse #TargetParent #FamilyLaw #CourtReform #ChildCustody #SlamTheGavel #RaisedByTheseWolves #JudicialSystem #ParentalAlienation #SurvivalStories #LegalSystemAwareness #Advocacy #DVSurvivors #ProtectChildren