Can I write to exH’s solicitor myself (not through my solicitor)?

[Levithecat]

Just that really. I could do without paying ££ for my solicitor to send a letter with a proposal on childcare arrangements in response to exH. In the past I have drafted letters and my solicitor has tweaked and sent, but I was thinking of sending one now just from me personally, but to his solicitor so that it gets logged formally (I could also forward to my solicitor). It’s a relatively straightforward letter.

Yes you can.
The solicitor will then charge your ex for reading and forwarding your reply.

You might be able to do it, but won’t you have signed something with your solicitor which states they are acting on your behalf?

There are specific rules around this (as I understand it), which are probably documented in a code of conduct somewhere or a practice direction.

If you are legally represented then this might prevent your ex’s solicitor from communicating with you directly. Any response to your letter would be sent to your solicitor.

Your ex's solicitor won't be able to respond to you if you have a solicitor on the record. They will have to respond to your solicitor.

I wouldn't advise it. It will probably end up costing you more in the long run

Thanks so much both - that’s really helpful: I’ll go back through my solicitor!

You’re welcome!

Hope it all works out for you.