It is important that you fully understand your obligation to prosecute or defend your case once it is filed:  

• First, you should consider the possibility that you may lose. In that instance the other side may ask that you be ordered by the court to pay their attorneys’ fees and costs.
• You are required to do your best to present your lawsuit to the court or defend your lawsuit. Unless and until you hire an attorney to represent you, it is your responsibility to do everything necessary to prepare your case for trial. This includes, but is not limited to, responding to discovery requests and motions from the other side and responding to court orders. You also must be prepared to present your case in court in front of the judge and others.
• Do not expect the court to explain or instruct you about procedures to follow for prosecuting or defending your lawsuit. If you do not follow established procedures, your case can be dismissed for failure to prosecute. If you do not respond to certain motions or orders, then certain facts may be treated as admitted. If you miss a deadline, the court can enter an order without waiting for your response.
• If you file anything with the court, you must give a copy to the attorney who represents the other parties, if the other parties have no attorney, you must give the copies to the other parties. Likewise, the other side must give you copies of anything which it files with the court.
• Sometimes, the parties will attach a certificate of service indicating that the clerk of court has been served with copies of pleadings or motions. This is not necessary. It is your responsibility, not the clerk’s office, to serve the other parties.
• You must keep the court and other parties advised of any change in your address or telephone number. If you do not do so immediately, the court may dismiss your case.