Are attorneys mandatory?

[reellis527]

Went to court the beginning of last month and since the allegations before the court involved abuse the judge gave me more time to get some documents together, some appointments made etc.  But he made his self very clear that we both needed to retain counsel.  I had already hired an attorney but we knew she didn't need to be present at the case.   Our case is to be heard again on the 31st of this month and I don't think he has a lawyer.

1)  Does he absolutely have to obtain an attorney?

2) Doesn't the attorney have to enter their appearance if one has been retained?

3) What consequences could he face for not hiring an attorney.

Thanks so much.

[socrateaser]

>1)  Does he absolutely have to obtain an attorney?

No, the judge suggests that counsel be retained, which could mean that the judge believes the issues are too difficult for any layperson to handle, or the judge intends to hold both parties to a very strict standard of lawyer-like behavior in court and that without a lawyer, a party may find themselves having significant difficulty if he/she makes procedural mistakes.

>
>2) Doesn't the attorney have to enter their appearance if one
>has been retained?

Generally, an attorney will notify the court that he/she has been retained as attorney of record.

>
>3) What consequences could he face for not hiring an
>attorney.

See #1. Other than that, none.