Can Inhouse help if I'm representing myself?

Yes. Inhouse is for anyone working through a legal matter, not just businesses or lawyers. Many of our members are representing themselves, which is sometimes called being "pro se" or "self-represented." Our legal AI can help you understand how your type of matter usually works, organize what's happened, prepare and review documents, and figure out your next steps.

The legal AI helps you understand your matter and do the work, but it isn't your lawyer. Inhouse attorneys don't appear in court or represent anyone before a court. On the Inhouse Counsel plan, an Inhouse attorney may be able to review your court documents and talk through basic strategy, while you stay the one handling your case.

It means you're handling your own legal matter without a lawyer representing you. For example, you might be:

• Filing or responding to a lawsuit, including small claims
• Dealing with a landlord, contractor, employer, or debt collector
• Writing a demand letter or responding to one
• Reading, negotiating, or signing a contract or lease
• Filling out court forms or getting ready for a hearing
• Trying to understand a letter, notice, or court paper you received

You don't need to have a court case to use Inhouse. If you're handling something legal on your own, Inhouse can help.

No. Inhouse works for individuals as well as business owners and professionals. You don't need a business, a law degree, or any legal background. Just describe your situation in plain language, and the legal AI will help you from there.

The legal AI can help you:

• Understand your matter: explain how this type of situation usually works and what the legal terms in your documents mean
• Know what typically comes next: walk you through the general steps in the process and the kinds of deadlines that often matter
• Get organized: build a timeline of events and a list of your facts, evidence, and documents
• Draft and review documents: help you write letters, demand letters, responses, and other documents, and review documents you've received or are about to sign
• Prepare for a hearing or conversation: outline the points you want to make and the questions you may be asked
• Find local help: point you to your court's self-help center, legal aid, or your state bar's lawyer referral service

You can upload your documents, like a lease, contract, notice, or court papers, so the legal AI has the context it needs. Memory also helps the legal AI remember important details about your matter across your chats, so you don't have to repeat yourself.

The legal AI can't:

• Act as your lawyer or represent you
• File documents with a court or appear in court for you
• Guarantee that a document, form, or deadline is right for your court
• Guarantee a particular outcome

Court rules, forms, and deadlines can vary by state, county, and court. Before you file anything or a deadline passes, confirm the details with the court clerk, your court's self-help center, or a lawyer licensed where your matter is.

Your chats are confidential on every plan, and Inhouse doesn't sell your information. But chats are only protected by attorney-client privilege on the Inhouse Counsel plan. If you're in a lawsuit or a dispute, the other side can sometimes ask for communications that aren't privileged. If your matter is sensitive, it's worth thinking about which plan is right for you before you share details.

Yes, on the Inhouse Counsel plan ($149/month). The plan includes one Consultation each month: the attorney spends 30 minutes reviewing your request and documents, then meets with you for a 30-minute call. You can request a Consultation from your chat using the Talk to a lawyer button. The Free and Inhouse AI plans don't include attorney access.

Here's what an Inhouse attorney can do if you're representing yourself:

• Review your court documents for clarity and persuasiveness
• Talk through your strategy and the risks you're facing
• Review documents and letters you've drafted or received
• Help you understand when you may need a local lawyer, and help you find one through our attorney network

Inhouse attorneys don't appear in court or represent clients before a court, so you'll still be the one handling your case. Their practice focuses on business law, and how much state-specific advice they can give depends on where your matter is. If you aren't sure whether an attorney can help with your matter, contact Live Support before you upgrade.

Inhouse attorneys don't counsel on criminal, family, immigration, or tax matters, or on matters outside the U.S. The legal AI can still help you understand those matters and find local help if your legal matter is in the U.S.

It may ask what kind of matter you have and where it is, like your state and court, so we can give you more useful information. If your matter is one Inhouse attorneys don't counsel on, we'll let you know.

For example, if you've been served with a small claims lawsuit, the legal AI can explain how small claims generally works, help you understand the claim against you, organize your evidence, draft a written response if your court uses one, and outline what you want to say at the hearing. It will also remind you to confirm your deadline and court forms with the court clerk or self-help center. On the Inhouse Counsel plan, you could then book a Consultation to have an attorney review your response and talk through your strategy before the hearing.

• Court self-help centers: many courts have staff or online tools to help self-represented people with forms and procedures.
• Court clerk's office: can tell you about filing requirements, fees, and dates, though clerks can't give legal advice.
• Legal aid organizations: free or low-cost help for people who qualify.
• State or local bar lawyer referral services: help finding a local attorney, often with a low-cost first meeting.
• Limited scope ("unbundled") services: some local lawyers will help with just part of your case, like appearing at one hearing.

• Can I use Inhouse if I'm representing myself? Yes. Inhouse is for anyone working through a legal matter, including people representing themselves.
• Is Inhouse only for businesses? No. Inhouse works for individuals as well as businesses and professionals.
• Do I need a lawyer or legal background to use Inhouse? No. Just describe your situation in plain language.
• Can Inhouse represent me in court? No. Inhouse attorneys don't appear in court or represent clients before a court.
• Can Inhouse file my court documents for me? No. The legal AI can help you prepare documents, but you'll file them yourself. Check your court's filing rules with the clerk or self-help center.
• Are my chats about my lawsuit privileged? Only on the Inhouse Counsel plan. Chats on the Free and Inhouse AI plans are confidential but not privileged.
• Can the legal AI tell me my court deadline? It can explain the kinds of deadlines that often apply, but deadlines vary by court and case. Always confirm your deadline with the court or a local lawyer.
• Can the legal AI help me with court forms? It can help you understand what a form is asking and organize your answers. Use the official forms from your court, and check with the court's self-help center if you're unsure.
• Where can I get help if I can't afford a lawyer? Try legal aid, your court's self-help center, or your state bar's lawyer referral service. The legal AI can help you find options near you.