If you have a lawyer and then decide to represent yourself, or if you hire a lawyer after starting the case yourself, you'll have to let the court know there's a change. To do this, you fill out a Substitution of Attorney (form MC-050) which you file with the court. You also do this if you switch lawyers.
Often, your lawyer (attorney) will take care of this. Sometimes, you may have to do it yourself. Ask your lawyer if you're not sure.
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On page 2, write in the names and addresses of the other parties in your case. If the other party has a lawyer, use the lawyer's information instead
Next, your server mails a copy of the form to everyone listed on page 2 (the other parties). Your server does not mail the original. Once they have mailed the copies, your server signs the original form. The original is for the court.
File the original Substitution of Attorney form, with page 2 filled out and signed, with the court. There is no filing fee. Take your copy as well. The clerk will stamp it as filed. Keep this for your records.
Can I file by mail? Or online?Yes, you can file by mail. If you want to get a copy back, be sure to include an extra copy of the form for the clerk to stamp as "filed" and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the clerk can mail the copy back to you.
In some courts, you can file online, called e-filing. Check with your court.
Unless you switched to a new lawyer, you now no longer have a lawyer in the case. You are representing yourself. If you hire a lawyer later, you will need to file a new Substitution of Attorney.