drboom, I am gratified to hear you were able to settle all of your “skirmishes” yourself and thus avoid litigation. This is certainly preferred but not everyone can. In addition, many adults are educationally and linguistically challenged and are unable to resolve their problems which often become further exacerbated with time.
Should you ever face a court hearing without an attorney, due to your “strong DIY ethic,” I am in hopes that you will handle it with aplomb!