Not sure about defending yourself...I'm at that cross roads with child support/taxes hearing and it scares me to death. I just can't afford to have my attorney there. $1000 a hearing is just to much for me when I know my ex is planning on taking me back to court for every other stupid thing he can think of.
My ex of course has his attorney there for EVERYTHING, but Mommy pays so why not?

I discharged my first attorney. I sent him a certified letter, then I had to go into his office and sign some papers to have him discharged. I next found myself a new attorney. I had to pay more to get one that would get the job done, but I'm much happier with this one's advice.