Can I contact plaintiffs if I have no attorney?

KathiKY1 · May 14th, 2007, 01:28 PM

State of Michigan - civil case claiming breach of contract

Thanks in advance for any help that can be given.

My husband and I have been named in a Civil suit that started from a $2800 tax error when we sold our home. We suspect the buyers (plaintiffs now in the civil case) are unaware of the errors and arrangements made by the title company and realtor that resulted in the $2800 error. We also suspect that the plaintiff's attorney is acting in the best interest of the title co. and realtor. Why else would an attorney file a $2800 case in civil court? We know that the plaintiffs were told we acted fraudulently, and don't know that we have documents to prove we didn't. We also know the attorney has already advised the plaintiffs to have no communication with us.

Question #1: If I am representing myself in the civil case and I'm not an attorney, can I contact the plaintiffs directly? I want to send a simple letter to both the plaintiffs and the attorney, letting them know I have filed a complaint with the MI board of realtors and that I have filed a claim against the title insurance. I would like to urge them to redirect their efforts to these parties. If the attorney is truly working in their best interest, he would not object. If the attorney is working to protect the other parties, then the plaintiffs now have information that was previously not shared with them.

Question #2: If our complaint against the other parties results in our favor (other parties held responsible), do I have the right to ask for reimbursement of any travel, time, and other costs? If so, what can I ask for and when can I ask? I already put it in my response to the complaint, especially since the attorney was asking for up to $25000 in attorney fees on a $2800 case. Can I present my expenses at pre-trial or do I have to file a separate small claims against the attorney/plaintiffs later?

Law200 · May 14th, 2007, 04:36 PM

You can contact them but cc the lawyer.

You can ask for expenses but most courts will not give damages except for your out of pocket costs.

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May 14th, 2007, 01:28 PM	#1
KathiKY1 Junior Member Last Online: Oct 5th, 2007 11:43 AM Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3	Can I contact plaintiffs if I have no attorney? State of Michigan - civil case claiming breach of contract Thanks in advance for any help that can be given. My husband and I have been named in a Civil suit that started from a $2800 tax error when we sold our home. We suspect the buyers (plaintiffs now in the civil case) are unaware of the errors and arrangements made by the title company and realtor that resulted in the $2800 error. We also suspect that the plaintiff's attorney is acting in the best interest of the title co. and realtor. Why else would an attorney file a $2800 case in civil court? We know that the plaintiffs were told we acted fraudulently, and don't know that we have documents to prove we didn't. We also know the attorney has already advised the plaintiffs to have no communication with us. Question #1: If I am representing myself in the civil case and I'm not an attorney, can I contact the plaintiffs directly? I want to send a simple letter to both the plaintiffs and the attorney, letting them know I have filed a complaint with the MI board of realtors and that I have filed a claim against the title insurance. I would like to urge them to redirect their efforts to these parties. If the attorney is truly working in their best interest, he would not object. If the attorney is working to protect the other parties, then the plaintiffs now have information that was previously not shared with them. Question #2: If our complaint against the other parties results in our favor (other parties held responsible), do I have the right to ask for reimbursement of any travel, time, and other costs? If so, what can I ask for and when can I ask? I already put it in my response to the complaint, especially since the attorney was asking for up to $25000 in attorney fees on a $2800 case. Can I present my expenses at pre-trial or do I have to file a separate small claims against the attorney/plaintiffs later?

May 14th, 2007, 04:36 PM	#2
Law200 Top Level Member Last Online: Nov 16th, 2008 04:36 PM Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 303	Re: Can I contact plaintiffs if I have no attorney? You can contact them but cc the lawyer. You can ask for expenses but most courts will not give damages except for your out of pocket costs.