Representing myself at family court.. Help? ?

[MummyT12]

Hi,
We agreed a final order last year regarding our son but I've been issued further papers for more access.
We are not going to agree at the first hearing as I feel this request is premature considering we all agreed it last year and it's not in the best interest of our son.
Am I silly to represent myself as I can't afford a barrister which cost £2000 a day!
I just need to know ill be ok on my own xx

[madgerussell1920]

I represented myself for a residence order.
The family court was very friendly and informal.
But then it wasn't opposed.

[OlennasWimple]

There's a saying about he who represents himself has a fool for a client...

At least make sure that you have someone with you for moral and practical support

[gettingtherequickly]

Family courts tend to be quite friendly places. If you can't afford a barrister please look into having a McKenzie friend there to support you. Some barristers do this work pro bono.

[MummyT12]

I'm meeting with my solicitor Wednesday so ill see if there's any contacts he can give me.
There's ongoing dv issues but unfortunately I earn over £16,000 so can't get legal aid.
I think that I can only tell the truth and if they decide against me then so be it x

[Fourormore]

£2000 for a barrister is very high!

[bibliomania]

I've heard good things about book [[http://www.nofamilylawyer.co.uk/]] although I haven't used it myself.

It can go either way. I've self-represented and it's been fine, but that was partly because my ex also self-represented and did a bad job. It's not that he was unable to articulate what he wanted, but the fact that what he wanted was completely unreasonable and he had no solicitor to give him a reality check about what was achievable.

Before going to court, I'd suggest trying to agree with your ex a plan to gradually move to increased access. All going well, it's better to avoid court, but even if you end up in court, it helps to show that you have made reasonable proposals and attempted to find a solution that works for all parties.

[bibliomania]

Messed up that link: Family Law without a Lawyer book

[MummyT12]

I paid £1200 for her to attend court and £800 for her to prepare for the hearing. This was for the first hearing and final hearing so £4000 in total.
What would the usual cost be?

[Fourormore]

£800 for a junior, £1200 for someone more experienced, including prep. £2000 sounds more like a fee for a QC!

[dataandspot]

I had to represent myself as I had no money and my ex had a barrister.

I was savaged by the barrister and they very much determined the proceedings.

[MummyT12]

Oh.. now I'm scared.
I can probably afford a mckenzie friend so think this might be my only option due to costs

[Fourormore]

A McKenzie Friend doesn't automatically have the right to speak while in the court. They can quietly advise you, and they can ask for permission to address the court but it isn't guaranteed.

[mrsdarcey78]

try googling the pro bono unit. they take on cases who need help, as long as you have over 3 weeks to prepare etc. x