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What Is a Litigant in Person? Your Rights and Challenges

2026-03-208 min read

What Is a Litigant in Person?

A litigant in person (LiP) is someone who represents themselves in court without a solicitor or barrister. Since the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) drastically cut legal aid eligibility, the number of LiPs in UK courts has risen sharply.

Your Rights as a Litigant in Person

Under the Civil Procedure Rules, you have the right to:

  • Present your own case in any court or tribunal
  • Cross-examine witnesses (with some restrictions in family proceedings)
  • Make applications to the court
  • Appeal decisions you disagree with
  • Access court files relevant to your case

    • The court has a duty under CPR Part 1 to deal with cases justly, which includes ensuring parties are on an equal footing regardless of representation.

    The Challenges

    Representing yourself is not easy. Common challenges include:

  • Understanding procedure — The CPR has over 80 Parts and numerous Practice Directions
  • Meeting deadlines — Missing a deadline can be fatal to your case
  • Drafting documents — Courts expect specific formatting and legal precision
  • Dealing with represented opponents — Their lawyers know the system
  • Managing emotions — It's your case, and that makes objectivity difficult

    • How to Prepare

  • Gather all your documents early and organise them chronologically
  • Identify the legal issues in your case
  • Research the relevant CPR rules and Practice Directions
  • Prepare your witness statements carefully
  • Consider using AI-assisted tools like Serverity to help with preparation
  • Always seek professional advice for complex issues

    • When to Get Professional Help

    While you can represent yourself, some situations genuinely require a lawyer: criminal matters, complex financial disputes, cases involving children's welfare, and appeals to higher courts. Many solicitors offer unbundled services — you can pay for help with specific tasks rather than full representation. In Scotland, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) may provide assistance through civil legal aid or the Advice and Assistance scheme.