Do I need an attorney to sue someone who is in breach of contract?

It was a personal loan as a second trust deed for collateral in the amount of $30,000. I have a promissory not and the deed to her home, but the home has plummeted in value (which is why she has stopped payments). Do I have to have an attorney to file a lawsuit? Is it too complicated to do on my own with limited experience/knowledge regarding the law?