Representing myself in Family court

[Legalwomble]

So far I have self repped, but it’s looking like we may have a fact finding hearing (Cafcass recommended one but that will be decided at the next hearing in a couple of weeks)

I’m finding it all stressful and although I am quite bright I’m not legally trained and I’m worried I’m going to get tripped up.

I’ve asked my solicitor the kind of costs they would anticipate to do it for me (they are v good) but without a Barrister I’m looking in the region of 20k for the Solicitors to take over then Barrister on top.

I’m torn. I have some money from the divorce, but that is to put towards a house, so using 20-30k of that will mean a much larger mortgage, but not using it may mean I make a massive error.

My choices are to spend the money, or continue as I am, prepare paperwork as best I can and the pay my Solicitor to check it all over, then hire my Barrister directly.

I’m in a real pickle because this is important. Ex is an abusive twat who is doing this as another way to punish me. He is fully solicitored up so it’s not two people not sure what to do, it’s one with a solicitor and one stumbling about in the dark really.

I don’t know how easy it is to prepare for a fact finding, nor how well I could do it.

I’ve been to court once with all this and felt I did really, really well, but this isn’t a game and I can’t risk being ripped to shreds by his side. They are already being difficult over answering emails and from experience of them during the divorce they don’t always quite stick to the rules.

I know a Barrister is a must though.

I self represented for both finances and child arrangements. It was fine. You know your situation better than anyone else. Be well prepared, be honest and ask questions if you need to and then you can't go far wrong. Good luck.

Thankyou!

Did you have to do a fact finding etc? That’s what I am concerned about, as I know it’s a lot of work and preparation.

I’m planning on using a Barrister, I can’t take that chance whatever happens!

Obviously depends on what issues there are in your situation?

I’m in a similar position - but I’m tempted to keep my solicitor and drop the barrister

I’ve put all the costs so far onto a credit card and I simply can’t keep doing it

I self represented throughout. While there were no lawyers in my hearing, I found the judges very pleasant and open to self representation. But mine was fairly simple, so it depends on your case.

@Fantina my solicitor has said to use a Barrister, even if I don’t use him.

I think they are probably good when the other side has a Barrister and you need a bit more knowledge.

Equally, my solicitor is great, and would prepare a bloody brilliant case for me, but if I can’t argue it then I’m in trouble.

I could afford both, but it’s not money that will be replaced like my divorce costs were, once it’s gone it’s gone

My partner self represented against his ex who had an expensive legal team. He got ripped to shreds and she got everything. Literally everything. The judges often really dislike people who represent themselves. It was so distressing to see the other side talking constantly with the judge about legal details while DP was sidelined. DP was given 15 minutes in the fact finding, the ex was given hours. The other side got to write up the orders too because that's how it works when one side is represented and the other isn't. Try to get at least some legal help. Try a direct access barrister. You can then do all the donkey work but they represent you in court.

@DrDetriment

My partner self represented against his ex who had an expensive legal team. He got ripped to shreds and she got everything. Literally everything. The judges often really dislike people who represent themselves. It was so distressing to see the other side talking constantly with the judge about legal details while DP was sidelined. DP was given 15 minutes in the fact finding, the ex was given hours. The other side got to write up the orders too because that's how it works when one side is represented and the other isn't. Try to get at least some legal help. Try a direct access barrister. You can then do all the donkey work but they represent you in court.

This. My partner is a solicitor and he hates going against litigants in person because it's unfairly weighed in my partners favour. It just is. I'm not legal so can't explain it but it is unfair