Urgent decision do I need a barrister for fact finding

[wombleflump]

I am doing a child case as a litigant in person. I have a fact finding hearing coming up. I have already submitted all the evidence I have, much of which could be said to be jersey or my word against ex. He is abusive. He has Previous record previous relationships. I’m not sure if I’m being arrogant to think I can self rep myself at a fact finding. If the evidence can not be changed how can a barrister help. It will cost me £4K junior barrister for two days. Money I could spend on DC. What would people recommend particularly those who work in the courts. Am I being arrogant thinking I’m professional/ literate. Am I underestimating what a barrister can offer. My other concern is obviously they don’t know the car or my ex as well as me. Thanks

The best money you can spend for your children is on a barrister. Mine was magic.

Just out of interest, are direct access fees higher than standard? More work as no solicitor preparing the bundle?

@TizerorFizz

Just out of interest, are direct access fees higher than standard? More work as no solicitor preparing the bundle?

Must be. I was shocked to see 4K for a one day. I left practice 10 years ago and would probably try to get one of these for around 2k but maybe prices have doubled or are just way more for DA.

Oh I’m sorry, it said 2 days. I thought it was 1 day 🤦‍♀️
Ignore me

I'd get a barrister. Our solicitor was a useless waste of cash and I could've done a better job myself. Barrister was superb though. No nonsense, knew what she doing, not there to waste time. Bloody expensive but worth it.

Yes direct access fees are higher, as the liability risk is much higher if it all goes wrong (no solicitor to blame) plus the case isn't all nicely briefed with a nice pink bow, so the barrister will have to do a lot more work to get on top of it all, and has no solicitor to delegate jobs to.

Yes I know the s7 is in the wrong order but I think I need to still have the FF in my favour as I don’t want any more delays. They put the final
Hearing ASAP after the FF so I think it is still viewed as relevant.

[quote TizerorFizz]@Unknown83
See my post at 16.31 yesterday. The op really doesn’t need a hugely experienced junior barrister. 5-10 years call or below even is fine.[/quote]
I didn't say she needed any particular barrister, just not to read too much in to the fact that they were "juniors."

Well yes. But senior juniors are very expensive! That was my point. I think £4000 for 2 days work is ok. I thought the £10k for the final hearing seemed high.

@TizerorFizz

Well yes. But senior juniors are very expensive! That was my point. I think £4000 for 2 days work is ok. I thought the £10k for the final hearing seemed high.

I was surprised at £4k to be honest but I don't know how complicated the case is.

Hello there - I know this thread was from a while ago but I just wanted to know what you decided? I’m in a very similar situation and wanted to ask how you got on? What was the outcome?

I got a barrister but it went to the next stage where I had no barrister. I'd say I needed it for fact find as they robustly cross examined the ex but would not have done as well as me representing myself in court hearing after that.

I think it depends on your judge though and how much they allow you to have a voice. I’ve self represented a couple of times and one was awful where I was not given opportunities to say my piece.