How can I raise money for a barrister?

[LILLYSHILLINGS]

I was sexually, verbally, psychologically, physically and financially abused by my ex partner. He is a nasty piece of work, and I am due in court soon as he wants to see our son. I just cannot allow this to happen. He raped me. He emotionally battered me. He terrifies me and I cannot allow him to have any influence over my son's life. So far the courts have been amazing. They've given him no interim access.

I need ideas re how I can raise 6-10k for a barrister for court. I am not eligible for legal aid even though I don't earn much as I own half of the house (he still lives there and is refusing to sell. I have no access to those funds and it's the equity I own is only 7ishK).

I have no savings. I'm in debt. I have a baby to look after.

Can ANYONE help with suggestions on how to raise this money? Could I crowdfund? I'm not willing to reveal my identity and don't know that crowdfunding would work without showing my face.

In panic mode. I'm drained. Any advice would be fantastic

Speak to the citizens advice bureau For further advice - they are knowledgeable and their website specifically has sections on this and instructing a barrister directly

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/rape-and-sexual-assault/

Chaz, I can't click on clicky links on my phone. What's the name so I can Google? Thank you.

Google

We are advocate

Insurance / no win no fees won’t cover this sort of thing.

It sounds like you’re ready for a barrister so I agree with chaz

I've just googled it. It looks promising and I had no idea this kind of thing existed. I need someone to refer me. Can I just ask a solicitor to refer me? I have very little money so can only afford minimal time with a solicitor.

If you click on how to apply it shows who can refer you.
It can be a lawyer or
CAB
Law Centre
Your MP
Legal Advice clinic

So your MP might be your simplest option as they are involved

CAB can refer you to the Pro Bono Unit. Also go to Law Centre or Law Works Clinic in your area would be better.

@LILLYSHILLINGS do you have an insurance policy at all, for anything?? Sometimes insurance policies have legal funding which will assist in paying for a solicitor and a barrister?

I take it you are instructing a solicitor through open access (be careful as a lot of barristers only accept instructions through solicitors and not on an open access basis). If this is the case, speak with your barrister, advise of the financial position you are in and see if you can come to some sort of arrangement to pay in installments.

That being said, in Court a litigant in person has a lot more sympathy and from the Judge and if you are not able to secure representation, the Judge will make sure that you fully understand everything that is said in Court.

Do you know if your Ex has representation?

Sorry if this has been said up-thread, i've not had chance to read through the replies x

@LILLYSHILLINGS apologies, that should be instructing a barrister, not a solicitor x

Thanks whattodo. My ex does have a solicitor yes. His solicitor came to speak to me before I went in last time. He was a real bully and when I said I wasn't wanting to discuss certain things, he pressed me over and over. Wanted to know who my witnesses were going to be.

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. Though, we strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

So sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon.

I'm really sad to see this has been reported. Everything I've posted is the truth and I am in a horrible, dire situation. I haven't asked anyone here for money. That's not what I'm here for. I just need help in getting a barrister for a fact finding which could last up to 5 days.

My friend works in family law and says there are special loans you can get to help with fees until the financial settlement is finalised. I’d go and see a solicitor who should be able to help you with this and engaging the barrister.

Have you looked at Mckenzie’s friends? They can help if pro bono isn’t an option.

My friend just got her abusive husband thrown out of court, you have evidence and a non molestation order.
The court will see through him.

Don’t worry about the reporting OP, it’s pretty standard on here with any post that remotely references a poster’s financial situation. I think there’s some good advice on this thread and I really hope you get this sorted and can put it behind you ASAP

University of East Anglia has a law clinic which states it also has connections to other legal charities in the area. Worth a google. Also some of the bigger firms have schemes and flexibility over payment. It might be worth speaking to a larger firm with more of a national presence - it is the size which affords them the ability to be flexible.

Household insurance, legal fees cover maybe??
Women’s aid is a good start.

The reporting is standard as is the MN response, it’s not personal to you.
Please don’t let it bother you and keep posting.

Please go to a solicitor and see if you are entitled to legal aid. What you have said about your finances should not necessarily disqualify you. I’m concerned you might have been ill informed.

It is very unlikely that any barrister will be able to assist you for a 5 day fact finding hearing pro bono (as much as they would wish to help that is a whole working week unpaid, which hardly anyone can afford).

Assuming you can’t get legal aid I think you need to spend the time preparing your case rather than crowdfunding. The Court will make every effort to accommodate you and make things as easy as possible.

If you want to use screens write in to the Court and say so.

Write as much of your case down as possible. Try to be factual rather than too emotional.

Write a list of questions for your ex.

Keep focussed. Sadly I think you are wasting your time trying to raise the money if you have no-one who can help you financially. And you are better off concentrating on preparing really thoroughly.

I got my barrister through direct access. I think the chambers were called 3DB. Mine cost me a grand but that was only for an afternoon.

You do know that as a litigant in person it’s his solicitor who produces the bundles don’t you? That saves a whole heap of stress and work.

Last time I went to court and I couldn’t afford representation so I acted in person. It was actually less traumatic than having representation for me, because I was in control of what was said. Also the judge was great and did a lot better job of protecting my interests than the awful judge I had the first time, although I’ve heard from several sources that he’s the worst one.

@LILLYSHILLINGS First of, as a litigant in person, the solicitor acting for your ex will to do all the bundles etc necessary for Court.

I can imagine he came across as a bit of a bully, do not let him intimidate you. He does have to ask who your witnesses are and will need to be told, if there are any.

Disclosure needs to take place, where both parties swap all details, documents, evidence etc in relation to their case, whether good or bad. On the flip side, you get to see everything your ex has and what he will be relying upon at the hearing.

I will say again, being a litigant in person is sometimes a lot easier - the Judge will be very lenient on you (within reason), and will make sure you understand everything that is going on.

xx