Barrister Chidcare arrangement

[Advices]

Hi,

I have been through domestic abuse and violence with my ex. Unfortunately The judge did not believe me and my ex is wanting full custody.
He has a very good and expensive barrister last time and I am legal aided, my barrister is not as aggressive as me ex's and isn't as well prepared. I have a 2 day hearing for final decision on child arrangement and he has already destroyed at the last hearing the cafcass recommendation and my barrister has not said anything. I do not want to lose my child.. every time I am in court with my ex's barrister, it doesn't go well for me.
Can anyone please recommend a an excellent barrister in London? my friends are happy to lend me the money to pay for it... Can I pay for it even though I am legal aided? My ex also tried to put his legal cost onto me, if i pay for my barrister will I pay for his costs too? Thank yoi

I presume you have a solicitor and it is the solicitor that has instructed the barrister?

Tell your solicitor you have lost faith in your barrister and would like them to instruct someone new. Tell them why.

Most family barristers will do both legally aided and private paying work. Just because you're legally aided doesn't mean you should be getting a second rate service.

Legal aid doesn't mean lower quality. If you have a legal aid certificate this should cover you for the Final Hearing.

Please don't get into debt, just ask for a different barrister.

@MissMalice

May I ask how you know that?

And yes they are absolutely obliged to keep abreast with up to date with latest research etc. It is a fundamental part of their role.

My uncle is a judge

Samantha Woodham from 4 paper buildings was absolutely amazing for me in CAO which went to contested final hearing in very similar circumstances. Sending you strength.

Thank you everyone for your recommendation and support.
My sollicitor informed me that if I pay privately for my barrister then the legal aid agency will suppose that I have money to pay for everything therefore they will not help me for my solicitors work from now on... I am not sure what to do, I am not sure that I can borrow enough to cover all the cost and it will be a lot of money to reimburse my friends & family... she adviced that she can try to find a more experienced barrister on legal aid, I have lost faith in legal aid barristers to be honest

I think your solicitor has not contacted the best chambers who do family legal aid work. Type in “Legal Aid” at Chambers who specialise in Family Law such as 1GC and see which barristers do this work. Some will do DV work as well so have a better grasp of the issues.

Also you don’t necessarily need vast experience. You need personality and someone who is thorough and can advocate strongly for you. Some younger barristers can do this as they want to get ahead! However you must be realistic about outcomes.