Representation at Family Court

[mynamechangemyrules]

Morning, anyone around for quick answers?!

I have had representation at family court but can no longer afford it (I couldn’t before but borrowed but that’s not an option now). I could possibly ask to borrow from family members (who I also already owe).

The barrister’s costs for the day are £8,400 incl VAT. I just can’t get that together without some serious borrowing which I don’t want to do.

So then I’d be representing myself.

We have been in a DV court situation with me behind a screen, I have not had to interact with my exH at all. Now I will have to.

He also is able to cross examine the Cafcass officer at this one.

I am petrified tbh. Each time I think that the police and social services reports are enough proof that my children should only visit him when they feel safe, he pulls some other nonsense out of the bag.

A few questions;
Should I just borrow and get represented?

and/ or

Has anyone gone from representation to none and what should I expect? How can I prepare and help myself?

Any help gratefully received.

That is a very high rate for a barrister for one day. Have you got any other quotes? It sounds like you have the evidence to support your case, so maybe a junior barrister would be a good compromise?

That’s a junior barrister 😳🤪

Have you checked whether you qualify for legal aid as there is evidence of DV?

I’ve had quotes of like £800+vat for junior barristers, so definitely suggest you shop around. I had a senior level barrister for my children matter and that was about £2.5k+vat

I think it depends on the time though? This is a full day hearing. I’ve decided I’m going solo so we will see what happens 💪🏼

Not sure if they're applicable in this case and they're not legal representation but you could look at having a mackenzie friend for support if you represent yourself

Good luck x

It can’t be 8400 + vat for a day!!

are you sure it’s not an error? Or that they’re not including more work, ie pre court case work preparation or something ? Or quoting for multiple people ?

No, it’s for one person, she is listed as having been called to the bar in 2011. They have come back with ‘what would you pay? We can find someone cheaper’ but I feel like that’s a bit weird- I let them know from the start that it would be tight and they went in with £8,400. Anyway, I’m doing it alone now so I’ll have to hope for the best. Will be my first time seeing my exH properly in court as I am usually shielded behind the barrister as it is a DV case.

Run a mile if they suddenly 'find' a barrister willing to do it for a lot less, especially with a line of 'as a gesture of goodwill, given your difficult circumstances'.

Blimey that is a staggering amount for 1 day and would suggest someone very senior ( or it’s a very complex case )

either way, I wish you the best of luck and strength having to face your ex
💐

That’s exactly what they’ve said @PsychoHotSauce!! So I’m pleased I’ve said I’ll go solo!

fair play to you doing it solo. I believe you can still have special measures even if self representing. You can do it 💪

(the rates I quoted above were for full day hearings too so if things change bear it in mind)

A friend found a charity online that supports people in Court. It is staffed by all sorts of professionals that donate their time. She got someone brilliant in court for free.
Where are you?

If you can evidence for Domestic Abuse and you're in receipt of UC, you're eligible for Legal Aid. Look into it.

If you can’t borrow for the barrister then I’d go for a really well reviewed Mackenzie friend to support you.

Can you get a McKenzie Friend it similar to go with you? Take notes and be a support for you.

Family court is far from perfect but it does give people representing themselves a fighting chance in many cases, I spent £25k on legal fees and got better results on my own as they were more accommodating. I have since gone on to help others achieve good results when they could not afford representation. This can be an advantage, especially if the other side has representation, they should make allowances. Happy to share insights if that would help.