If you’ve found your way to this blog, chances are you’re in the middle of something hard. A divorce. A custody battle. An enforcement case. Maybe you’re trying to modify an old order that no longer works for your family. Whatever the situation, you’re doing it without an attorney — and you’re trying to figure out how.
I’ve been where you are. And after more than a decade of working alongside pro se litigants in Texas family law, I finally wrote the book I wish had existed when I started.
Why I Wrote This Book
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless people navigating the Texas family law system on their own. Some came to me early — confused about where to even begin. Others came after making costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right information. And many came to me simply exhausted, feeling like the system was designed to work against them.
They weren’t wrong. The system is difficult for pro se litigants. But it’s not impossible — and that’s the whole point of this book.
What I noticed over and over again was that people weren’t failing because they weren’t smart or capable. They were failing because nobody had ever given them the roadmap. No one explained the strategy. No one warned them about the pitfalls. And no one handed them the actual forms they needed.
So I wrote it all down.
What’s Inside
This isn’t a generic legal guide. This book was written specifically for the Texas pro se litigant — and it covers the full journey, from your very first step to your final hearing. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
- Start-to-Finish Instructions — Whether you’re filing for divorce, seeking a modification, pursuing enforcement, or requesting a TRO, I walk you through every step of the process.
- The Actual Motion Templates — No more spending nights on Google trying to find a proper form. The most common motion templates are included directly in the book, ready for you to use.
- Case Law Deep-Dives — One of the most overlooked tools in a pro se litigant’s arsenal is case law. This book teaches you not just how to find it, but how to use it effectively in your filings and hearings.
- Strategy and Real-World Examples — Every situation is unique, but the book is loaded with hypothetical scenarios, strategic insights, and warnings about the pitfalls that trap so many pro se litigants.
- The Emotional Side of It All — Let’s be honest: family law is brutal emotionally. This book includes chapters dedicated to helping you manage the emotional weight of your case so it doesn’t derail your strategy.
Reviewed by Texas Attorneys
I want to be clear — I’m not an attorney, and nothing in this book constitutes legal advice. But this book has been reviewed by multiple licensed Texas attorneys to ensure that the guidance, procedures, and information are accurate, intelligent, and conform to Texas law. You can trust what’s in these pages.
What People Are Saying
Robert Garza — a leading national advocate for parental rights and the author of more than 400 family court reform bills across the United States — had this to say after reading the book:
“This book is a genuinely useful resource for anyone walking into family court without an attorney. What sets it apart isn’t just the explanations of filings or procedure — it’s the clarity about what actually happens in a real courtroom… Half of surviving family court is knowing what to expect, and he nails that part.”
This Book Is For You
Whether you’re a father fighting for time with your kids, a mother trying to enforce a child support order, or a spouse trying to navigate a divorce without losing everything — this book was written with you in mind.
You are lost. You are confused. You may be scared. I get it. I’ve been there. But I also know that with the right information, the right strategy, and the right preparation, you can do this.
Pro Se Coach: The Comprehensive Guide to Successfully Represent Yourself in Texas Family Law is available now on Amazon. This is the first and only book of its kind written specifically for the Texas pro se litigant.
👉 Order Your Copy on Amazon Today
If you have questions about your specific situation or want to talk through your case, I’m always here. Give me a call at 830.507.3250 or reach out at ben@prosecoachtx.com.
— Ben Schooley, Pro Se Coach