Where/how do I get just a little bit of legal advice over the phone?

[TheOrigFV45]

I have been unable to contact my regular solicitor.

I need some legal advice. I don't have the £ for full legal representation - I just want an hour or so to ask questions and get advice from someone who know about family law before I go to Court.

Is this something solicitors offer? If so, how do I go about accessing that?

You’re catastrophising. i understand it’s stressful but getting worked up won’t help. There are still 9 days to go before 3rd August. Could you call your solicitor’s firm / secretary and ask if she’s on holiday and if and when she will be available? If she’s not available before the 3rd is there anyone else who can review the notes and talk to you? I know you’ve already tried but I think you need to be persistent, calm but firm.

It might be worth asking on here in the meantime, as suggested. It will give you something to go on and ease the stress a little.

yes there may be some questions people on here can answer.

Emma I know. I've had years and years of this. My resilience is low and it's best I let my frustration out here than sob down the phone at solicitors or lose my temper with the kids.

I mainly need to know what I need to do in advance of the hearing.
What docs I need to take, what should I send in advance.
I have a letter from a school teacher. Should I send that in advance?
I believe I need to write a Position Statement.
Cafcass haven't called. How many days before the hearing should I chase them up (I have had the initial contact email).
Ex won't tell me if he's got legal representation. Does this matter?

I WILL read up as much as can online.

Are you seeing a counsellor? If not, might be helpful.

Good idea to read up online. Citizens Advice might be able to answer some of your questions about the court process (but not about your specific case, only a solicitor can advise on that as you know).

I know what it feels like to be worn down by these cases, but it sounds like you need to pull up your brave pants make a phone call to the firm. Say I have tried emailing X, but had no reply is she on leave. Regardless of the answer then, does she have an assistant/secretary who I can speak to please.
Don't be embarrassed if you cry, you will not be the first or last client to do so.
I found that in the absence of my solicitor his assistant could take advice from another solicitor (often cost me less than my own solicitor) as the assistant was familiar with my case and able to give a concise summary and the question. Then the assistant would pass that back to me.
I remember when my resilience was so low I wondered how I could possibly keep going, then I looked at my DD's face and knew that however hard it was for me I was the adult and it was my job to keep her safe.

What sort of application/hearing is it? If an initial hearing in a child arrangements order application, Cafcass should file their safeguarding letter with you, your ex and the Court at least 3 days before the hearing, there is therefore still time for this to be prepared. If it this kind of hearing, you wouldn't normally be expected to do anything in preparation - directions would be given at the hearing about anything you need to obtain/file. If it's a different sort of hearing/application the situation may be different.

Doesn't really matter if your ex has representation or not but usually if a solicitor has been formally instructed they would send the court and all parties a notice of acting to let them know that they were instructed.

It's a variation of a CAO.

Unless the directions made upon issue state otherwise, you shouldn't need to do anything in advance of the hearing. I'd perhaps wait until Friday and if you haven't heard from Cafcass give them a chase.

Its very difficult for a solicitor to dip in and out of a case. I always refuse unless I am able to spend the time to get fully up to speed again. Otherwise the risk of missing something and being sued is simply too high.

I hope you find the answers you need though ( not my field)

Thank you so much.

I have to take my freeholder to court and intend doing it in person. Has anyone any experience of this? Thanks

Callaghan777 It is generally the done thing to start your own thread.

www.legalchoices.org.uk/legal-choices/got-a-legal-issue/courts/i-want-to-take-someone-to-court/

Just found this which seems a useful place to look at

Op

Start a new thread asking if anyone has represented themselves in family court.

Good idea. Thanks.