CROWN POINT | Lake Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Arredondo said the increasing number of people representing themselves in court is not just economics.

The availability of legal forms on the Internet, a downtrodden economy and increasing education level of residents have all fueled an increase in self-representation in court cases.

"You have people who say, 'I have a master's degree. I'm not going to pay a lawyer to fill out forms,'" Arredondo said.

The Indiana Supreme Court's Division of State Court Administration recognizes the increase in pro se litigants and created an informational video for people who'd like to go it alone in family law cases.

The video is divided into short segments detailing responsibilities, how to prepare for court and stages of a case.

Lilly Judson, executive director of the State Court Administration, explained the video can help make the legal system less intimidating. It also eases the burden on court staff by demonstrating expectations for pro se litigants, she added in a written release.

Lake Superior Court Judge Calvin Hawkins said most protection orders are handled without an attorney. Defendants in collection cases also often are pro se, he added.

Arredondo said he sees people represent themselves for name changes, protection orders and divorce cases that involve no assets and no children.

He cautioned litigants against defending themselves in more complex cases.