Direct Access Barrister Reccommendation - Family (Finances) London

[toddlerbed]

Hi, can anyone recommend a good direct access barrister in London who works in the Family Law area and is good at finances?

My case is very simple. We are arguing over spousal maintenance; how much and for how long. There are no assets. We have 4 small children.

Anyone got any experience of barristers costs for simple FDR / simple Final Hearing.

I have been using a sol but she has advised I dispense of her services (due to limited funds) and self rep.

Thanks!

Toddlerbed I am going to be looking for one too...so will also do a bit of research and post back. I am in much the same boat and had not quite the same advice from solicitor, mine wanted me to carry on with mediation that had failed over 4 months, but also said she understood that I had no choice but to self rep at court.

It's a scary place to be!

Hi Toddlerbed...here is the link to the search facility for a public access Barrister. I would also ask your solicitor if she has any recommendations.

www.barcouncil.org.uk/about-the-bar/find-a-barrister/public-access-directory/

I hope this helps!

I found that link next to useless - it just lists hundreds of barristers that offer DA with almost no information regarding each person and what their speciality/seniority/resultant cost.

Are you in London? My solicitor has recommended a couple, one of which I'll be taking with me to the FDR if we don't settle beforehand. Let me know if you'd like their names/details if you do happen to be in London.

I managed to find one locally using the link but you're right, it doesn't give enough information and it appears that really you'd be best ringing around and/or seeking recommendation. I am going to speak to my former solicitor as I am quite far outside London and need somebody to be quite near. *Voiceofgodot" - I have PM'd you!

voiceofgodot please pm me your names.
Also any idea of cost for using them at fdr?

Thanks ladies :)

Toddler, I have heard things from a few hundred pounds to a couple of grand. I think it all depends on how long they are sat there, travel expenses etc..and if they have to come back. I guess it will depend on each individual barrister. I have used a PA barrister before for a consumer credit issue and he charged £1,500 all in but we didn't end up in court, it was settled before that. I realise this is different. God, it's a minefield isn't it? I will of course report back when I have anything remotely useful to offer! :-)

toddler - I'll do it tomorrow if that's okay :) My solicitor has put aside £1500 to cover the expenses of a 'mid range' barrister (albeit one who specialises in ancillary relief) for our FDR, if that helps.

Goldsmiths Chambers, Julie Okine or Vicky Wilson

For my FDR I used Solicitors and barrister, barrister bills came out at about £5k and we went over the 5 hours allowed. Not the barristers I have just recommended.