A trial judge may properly advise a self-represented litigant about fundamental evidentiary deficiencies and offer an adjournment to obtain evidence, without giving rise to apprehended bias. However, a trial judge must not question a party about the contents of documents not in evidence in a manner amounting to cross-examination, as this constitutes procedural unfairness. A trial judge is not required to adjourn proceedings of his or her own motion against the wishes of a self-represented litigant, as this would cross the line between permissible assistance and impermissible advocacy.
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