§ 88.09 Parties not Represented by Counsel

Codes > Missouri Supreme Court Rules > Rules of > Part III : Rule 88 > 88.09

88.09. Parties not Represented by Counsel

    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. [FN1] These forms shall be accepted by the courts of this state, until disapproved or superseded by this Court.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).

            [FN1] See Access to Family Courts Forms under Civil Procedure Forms.