Terrified

[mlp3282]

I have (hopefully a final) hearing listed on Friday this week, he will have a barrister and solicitor and I have nobody. He will be taking family and I have nobody. I have prepared my statement alone and feel ok about that but the Court thing alone terrifies me. Any advice from anyone else been in this position?

Have you no one who could come as a McKenzie friend?

I would happily attend with you op. .After 4 years of hell with ex I couldn't have managed without support. .

which court is it you're going to?

I did a few years back. He applied to court before the legal aid rules changed and by the time I knew he was taking me I wasn't entitled to any help and certainly couldn't afford it.
I can't remember enough of the ins and outs but I was told by a family friend to introduce myself to the clerk (?) of the court as soon as I got there and explain my situation. She really helped me, getting to the right room and answering some questions for me.
Good luck op, hope all goes well.

its in Coventry

Good luck!

Generally speaking, courts don't like when there is an imbalance between the parties. It will make him look like an absolute twat to take in a barrister and a solicitor plus being backed up by family when you are on your own! As a PP said, if you introduce yourself to the clerk immediately upon arrival and mention the situation, they tend to be very helpful.

When I went to court to establish a custody arrangement for DS I was scared and wanted to take in someone to act as a mckenzie friend - I wasn't allowed as ExDP was going in alone. Family also wasn't allowed in the room. It was just us, the judge, the person who takes a record (I should know the name of that position but I've been up all night so you'll have to forgive me that it's slipped my mind) and the representative from the CPA. I don't know if your case will be similar but if it's in a family 'court' it's nothing like what you see on tv, it's just an ordinary room with ordinary tables, more like a classroom.

Having said that, I have complete sympathy. I was scared and nervous and because of that failed to put any of my points across, the outcome was solely in Exdp's interests, I came out and immediately burst into tears so lost all dignity as well Looking back I really wish I'd taken the time to stay calm, take a deep breath and make myself heard rather than be intimidated by the new situation. Even if it had gone the same way, I'd have felt better having fought my corner so to speak. So learn from my mistakes and try not to be intimidated! No matter what their title, they are just people