Child maintenance tribunal with no solicitor and ex has one

[writingsonthewall]

I'm waiting for a date for a child maintenance tribunal, it's not likely to be for another few months yet due to waiting lists but I'm starting to get nervous as exh has instructed a solicitor.

I really can't afford a solicitor so will be self representing. I (like to think) am articulate and clued up on the facts of the case but even so I'm worried it'll all go against me as I don't have proper legal representation.

I've had £50 child maintenance for two children so far this year due to a lot of confusion over his self employed status, incorrectly completed tax returns, etc, so I promise this really isn't a case of me being greedy. Exh has his own company and lives a decent lifestyle, I'm not looking to take more than he can afford, just a reasonable contribution to the costs of bringing up his children.

Sorry my question really is, should i get into debt and get a solicitor, would that be the best idea for the long term?

I have yes fsf, I signed up for a month of calls ages ago when I first launched the tribunal request. They were helpful but I only had one phone call as at that stage there wasn't a lot to say.
I am planning on signing up for another month of calls but was going to wait until I had a court date as don't want to spend £30 on 1 phone call again!
Although I know a solicitor would cost much more!