Had planned on representing myself in court but am now having a wobble- child arrangements.

[Whywhywhy2020]

I'm currently having a wobble and in need of advice.
I put in a c100 and was given a court date in January.
But during the cafcass phone call my ex made some very serious (and completely made up) safeguarding allegations against me.
Because of this the first hearing is now in a fortnight.
I had planned on representing myself, having spoken to a solicitor prior to submitting the application. But now I'm having a wobble and don't know if I should have legal representation in court.
Any thoughts?

I would so same again for first hearing. It's likely that they would order a section 7 anyway with cafcass . You probably won't give any evidence about accusations. Check this with solicitor. Maybe think about self rep for first hearing and if you can afford one, get representation for later hearing.

If you have money for all,then I would always choose to have representation.

Can you afford legal representation? What are the allegations

We can afford it, but it will impact our lives (will mean living very frugally with no holidays or days out for the foreseeable future).
The allegations are around physical abuse of the children, drug taking and financial abuse of ex
All fabricated obviously.
I was thinking of self representing for the first hearing then speaking to a solicitor again, but the stress is really getting to me.

I would say that it would be far better to get a barrister. I know a junior junior doesn’t cost what you think. You would be getting expert help and surely it’s worth it? Around £800 a day.

That's a good point from pp.. Look up direct access barristers.

No. You shouldn’t limit yourself to direct access. Go via the solicitor. You don’t need direct access. Charging isn’t any different. A decent solicitor will have access to family barristers with different daily rates. You need one with expertise in your issues. A younger one (a couple of years into their career) won’t be charging silly rates.

I went for the solicitor in the end, but thank you for the information about barristers, I had never even considered it.
Estimated £3500 to £12000 dependent on how long it lasts.
But it's not like we can go on holiday anyway.

A barrister would be cheaper than £12,000. Did you ask the solicitor about one?

Yes the solicitor has got a barrister in for the case which should reduce costs, estimated £400 for the first hearing.

That sounds more reasonable. £400 would be a newly qualified barrister but they do deal with this sort of case all the time and are court savvy. Is it a remote hearing?

Yes it's a remote hearing, I did get a bit confused as to how it works so asked the solicitor and she explained it.
Quite reassuring really.

Oh my gosh your post is me this time last year

I was quoted 5k even though he Had attempted to take me to court in the wrong jurisdiction

Anyway

Glad I did come on here got great advice

Mine made up the most ridiculous nonsense about me
They saw right through him and he made a Pratt of himself

Will be thinking of your and your innocent kids ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️