Pro Se Litigants - Second Time Around

I've received calls from 2× pro se litigants who allowed hubris to cost them a case.  More specifically, they represented themselves in a landlord-tenant matter and won against a lawyer.

Now, they'll Clarence Darrow and are telling everyone within ear shot.

Next time the "winner" has a dispute, he thinks lawyers are a waste of money. He's not even going to seek a free phone consultation.  This time, the internet lawyer loses. He waits weeks after the hearing to call a lawyer.  In a normal civil action in Georgia, a 2-3 week delay isn't fatal. However, dispossessory/eviction cases aren't normal civil actions.

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your position, eviction cases are on a rocket docket.  7 days after a judgment for the landlord, the tenant must vacate or file an appeal.  Paying the landlord the judgment won't save you unless you entered into a settlement agreement to stay or the order specifically states you can pay then stay.

If you don't understand what's in an order, schedule an office visit to learn your rights and responsibilities. If you don't understand all terms in a settlement agreement, you should consider the pros and cons of settling versus going before a judge.