PLEASE HELP! Sent in character reference, been sent letter?

[dietcoke1818]

Hi, not a mum (yet!) but from what I've seen there's always some good advice on here so hoping you'll be able to help me too!

I sent a character reference to a friend of mine. (I have absolutely no problem with this being used in any way, shape or form.) Today I got a letter from her lawyer saying it will be exhibited as a statement of evidence, so will be seen by the Judge and the representatives for all other parties, with my consent.

As I say, I don't mind what they do with the reference, I wrote it for a reason. But I want to make sure that by consenting to that, I'm not consenting to anything else, eg being called to court (or anything else)? I'm not familiar with law, so I don't want to do something stupid here.

I'm going to call his office on Monday to talk to someone there about it, but if I can know what I'm getting into before I call, think that might be best!

Apologies if I don't get back to you right away - it's a shared computer. I will definitely respond, thank you in advance for help!

I don't think you're likely to get called into court. But I'm not a lawyer. Sorry, not much use, am I?

Well you have eased my mind a little! Thanks for responding :)

DH was recently asked by a solicitor representing the defendent, to send in a statement pertaining to a court case and it was understood he could be called as a witness.

It was in effect a character reference.

Would your reference be viewed the same by your friends solicitor? I would call the lawyer who sent you the letter and ask for clarification, rather than your friend.

I've called - he's going to get back to me, apparently.

A friend is going through a civil case. She has introduced a document from an expert witness which said expert witness is going to have to "speak to" in court.

I don't think a character reference is likely to be examined in the same way, but I suppose if there's something in your reference that they query (eg, you say that he's always been generous with cash, and there is much other evidence that he's a tight-fisted sort) you might get called in.

Thanks for your response :) I'm still waiting to hear from them. I'll report back once I know!

I heard back from him. He says giving permission for it to be used would not count as consent to be called into court, or require anything from me. The only thing it would mean is that the reference will be presented to the judge and representatives.

In case anyone else was wondering :)